NSFAS CEO’s Removal : South Africa, October 19, 2023 – ActionSA has applauded the dismissal of Andile Nongogo, former CEO of the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This decision follows an investigation conducted by the law firm Werkmans Attorneys and Advocate Thembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, which uncovered Nongogo’s violations of tender procedures by his direct involvement in selecting four direct payment companies.
The disgraced former CEO had a history of similar issues during his tenure at the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA), as indicated by an investigation by the Organization Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) that linked Nongogo to the directors of Coinvest.
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ActionSA Western Cape Students Forum Chairperson Matthew George expressed satisfaction with the CEO’s removal and the cancellation of contracts with service providers. However, the organization insists on holding Minister Blade Nzimande accountable.
“ActionSA, although pleased with the actions taken thus far, will persist in our demand for accountability, beginning with the NSFAS Board and Minister Blade Nzimande, who, for months, staunchly defended this fraud and the former CEO, despite clear evidence of wrongdoing,” stated George.
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The 2022 investigation by OUTA exposed the gross incompetence in the appointment of providers Tenet Technology, Coinvest, eZaga, and Norraco, as they were not registered as financial services providers, as mandated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority.
Ezaga Holdings had an affiliated banking license with Access Bank, a compulsory bid requirement. Two of the successful bidders, Norraco Corporation and Tenet Technology, were not registered as VAT vendors when they submitted their tenders.
ActionSA remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency within the NSFAS and calls for further actions to rectify the situation, including addressing the role of Minister Blade Nzimande in this matter.
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