Higher Education Dept confirms NSFAS chairperson Ernest Khosa's resignation

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Higher Education has on Thursday confirmed the resignation of the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board chairperson Ernest Khosa.

Khosa took leave of absence from the funding scheme in January.

This came to light when the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) released a report and leaked audio implicating Khosa and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.

OUTA alleged that several companies contracted by NSFAS to disburse funds to students paid millions in kickbacks to Khosa and Nzimande.

In a letter to Nzimande, Khosa asked to be relieved of his duties citing security concerns as the reason for his resignation.

This means he will await the outcomes of an investigation into the corruption allegations levelled against him.

READ: SASCO welcomes probe into NSFAS corruption allegations

The investigation was expected to take 90 days, but the NSFAS board is yet to present the outcome.

The Higher Education Department's internal investigation into the matter found that there were some irregularities in the appointment of four companies hired to carry out the new NSFAS direct-payment system.

The department has accepted Khosa's resignation and wished him well with his future endeavours.