South Africa Government

10/09/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2022 07:42

Minister Blade Nzimande statement on the Sunday Independent Newspaper article titled “Explosive report Nzimande wants kept under wraps”

Minister Nzimande statement on the Sunday Independent Newspaper article titled "Explosive report Nzimande wants kept under wraps"

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande outrightly dismiss with the contempt it deserves the article by Mzilikazi Wa Africa on the Sunday Independent newspaper titled "Explosive Report Nzimande wants kept under wraps".

Minister Nzimande said it is unfortunate that Mzilikazi Wa Africa and some sections of the media are joining the bandwagon of critics and doomsayers who are determined to tarnish his name and to defocus his attention from the task of bringing those who defrauded the National Skills Fund (NSF) to account for their fraudulent, corrupt and immoral acts of greed.

"Clearly the Independent Media Group has begun its usual role of wanting to tarnish what it regards as its enemies and nemesis as we move closer towards the December Conference of the ANC. I am not fazed by these tired and predictable tactics of the group, and I will focus on the task at hand, without fear of favour," added Minister Nzimande.

Minister Nzimande would like to restate that he has nothing to hide, but he has a duty, on his part, to follow due process in implementing the recommendations of the Nexus forensic investigation without any fear, favour or prejudice.

"I never wanted to keep this report under wraps but all that I requested was for the Standing Committee on Public Account (SCOPA) to treat this report in terms of rule 189 of the National Assembly, especially sub-rule (1) (c) read with sub rule (4) (a) until all processes before the law enforcement agencies and internal departmental disciplinary processes are concluded," emphasised Minister Nzimande.
Minister Nzimande said that the Department of Higher Education and Training has already opened a case at the Pretoria Central Police Station on the 3rd of October 2022.

Minister Nzimande said that now that a police case has been opened and legal processes are underway, all the implicated individuals inside and outside the department, including companies who might have benefited irregularly on the resources of the National Skills Funding will face the full might of the law. The Department will continue to work with the HAWKS and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that this process in concluded speedily.

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