EFF statement on the refusal of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, to appear before SCOPA
3 September 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes, with grave concern, the refusal of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, to appear before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) to account for the gross mismanagement of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This refusal to be held accountable is not only a dereliction of duty but also a blatant disregard for the principles of transparency and good governance.
It is unacceptable that the Deputy Minister, a public servant entrusted with the crucial responsibility of overseeing the higher education sector, chooses to evade accountability, especially on a matter as critical as the financial aid that supports our nation's youth. The mismanagement of NSFAS funds has had dire consequences on students and their families, with over 90,000 appeals still unresolved, leaving many young South Africans in a state of uncertainty about their educational futures. This negligence is an affront to the rights of the students who depend on NSFAS for access to education.
Moreover, the loss of over R5 billion from the National Skills Fund, which remains unaccounted for, is a shocking revelation that demands immediate attention. This is not just a financial scandal; it is a moral and ethical crisis that speaks to the deep-seated issues of corruption and mismanagement within our institutions. The fact that the Nexus report on the National Skills Fund was sealed is further abominable and we need a full account and publication of this report which was completed in 2022, and nothing was ever done about the shocking revelations contained therein.
The National Skills Fund was established to address the critical skills shortage in our country, and the disappearance of such a substantial amount of money undermines the future development of South Africa's workforce and economy.