TO ALL MEDIA
DATE: 10 APRIL 2026

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela has welcomed the decisive intervention by the Special Investigating Unit in securing the recovery of R2.7 million misused funds in the Rubicon Communications, skills development project. This outcome sends a clear message that public funds allocated for skills development must be protected and used strictly for their intended purpose and that is empowering young people through education, training, and opportunity.

At the same time, the Minister has noted with serious concern the findings that the funds were depleted before the commencement of the training programme, effectively denying 100 learners access to critical skills. This represents a failure not only on the part of the implementing agent, but raises important questions about oversight, controls, and accountability within the National Skills Fund.

The Minister has therefore requested a full report from the NSF on the approval, disbursement, and monitoring of this project, including the internal controls that failed to prevent such misuse, and the steps being taken to ensure that this does not recur. This will include a review of consequence management, oversight systems, and the strengthening of funding models to ensure that disbursements are linked to verified delivery.

While the recovery of funds is a necessary step, it is not sufficient. Accountability must be comprehensive, and where wrongdoing is identified, whether external or internal, it must be addressed decisively. The Department will continue to work closely with the SIU and law enforcement agencies to ensure that all aspects of this matter are fully pursued.

This case reinforces the urgency of ongoing reforms to strengthen governance, improve monitoring, and ensure that every Rand entrusted to the post-school education and training system delivers real value to the people of South Africa.

ENQUIRIES: Matshepo Seedat, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 6799473
@HigherEduSpox

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING