SIU launches probe into National Skills Fund

Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane has confirmed the start of a sweeping investigation into the National Skills Fund (NSF).

This follows a presidential proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the entity’s affairs.

According to the department’s statement on Tuesday, the investigation empowers the SIU to look into allegations of “serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees of the NSF, and the possible mismanagement of funds allocated to the NSF”.

Procurement under scrutiny

“The investigation will focus on procurement and contracting for the implementation of skills development programmes, training projects and the appointment of implementation agents for the projects listed in the proclamation.”

The proclamation details these projects, which span the period from 1 January 2013 to 28 March 2025.

“This includes the conduct of service providers, suppliers, and other stakeholders involved,” the department said.

Nkabane confirmed that a meeting between the SIU and NSF had already taken place.

During this session, the SIU formally served the NSF with a letter of intent outlining the scope of the investigation and required cooperation.

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‘We will comply fully’

“The National Skills Fund, as a law-abiding entity within the Department of Higher Education and Training, will comply with the laws of our country,” Nkabane said.

She assured that the NSF would provide the SIU with all necessary documentation, including findings from previous internal investigations and any relevant reports.

“This we will do, not only because we are obliged by the law, but also because we believe it will allow the SIU to do its work with ease,” she said.

Nkabane added that she believes the investigation “will set the NSF on a new trajectory as it repositions itself as a catalytic change agent in our communities and the country at large”.

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Role in skills development reaffirmed

Despite the looming investigation, the Minister reaffirmed the NSF’s commitment to addressing South Africa’s skills gap and supporting the youth through targeted training initiatives.

“We are committed to driving progress and unlocking the potential of our country’s workforce by addressing critical skills shortages,” she said.

The SIU’s investigation into the NSF adds to a growing list of public entities under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement and corruption, as government ramps up efforts to restore integrity and accountability across state institutions.

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