FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, 10 APRIL 2026

The National Skills Fund (NSF) welcomes the announcement by the Special
Investigating Unit (SIU) confirming the signing of an Acknowledgement of
Debt with Rubicon Communications CC and its Chief Executive Officer, Ms Hangwani
Mudangawe Nengovhela, for the repayment of R2,699,000 in public funds that were
misused and diverted from their intended purpose of learner skills development.

The recovered funds were originally allocated to support a learnership and skills
development programme for 100 learners in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather
manufacturing sector. The recovery of these monies, together with interest and
associated costs, marks a significant step in restoring resources intended to transform
lives through skills development, employability and economic participation.
This development gives practical effect to the commitment made by the Minister of
Higher Education and Training, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s
proclamation authorising the SIU investigation into the NSF and identified projects
funded by the Fund.

“The recovery of these funds sends a clear and unequivocal message that public
resources allocated for skills development must reach their intended beneficiaries and
will be protected at all costs. Every rand entrusted to the NSF must translate into
meaningful opportunities for young people and communities. We therefore welcome
the decisive work of the SIU in advancing consequence management, financial
recovery and accountability,” said the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Melissa Erra.
The NSF notes with serious concern the SIU’s findings that the funds were depleted
before the commencement of the training programme, effectively denying 100
learners access to accredited skills opportunities that could have improved their
livelihoods and future economic prospects. Such conduct undermines the
developmental mandate of the Fund and erodes public trust in institutions responsible
for advancing economic inclusion.

As a direct consequence of these findings, Rubicon Communications CC and its
directors have been formally restricted from conducting any further business with the
National Skills Fund. This measure forms part of the Fund’s strengthened
consequence management framework aimed at safeguarding public resources,
protecting programme integrity, and ensuring that only credible and compliant
implementing partners are entrusted with learner development initiatives.

“As we have consistently indicated, the National Skills Fund remains fully committed
to supporting the SIU and all law enforcement agencies in their work. This recovery
process is not merely about financial restitution, but about rebuilding institutional
credibility, strengthening governance systems, and ensuring that the Fund emerges
stronger, more transparent and more responsive to the needs of South Africans,”
added Acting CEO, Ms Melissa Erra.

The NSF reiterates its full cooperation with the SIU investigation and will continue to
make available all relevant documentation, internal investigative reports and
governance records required to support the process. The SIU will further share its
report and recommendations with the NSF, and the Fund commits to cooperate fully
in the implementation of all applicable remedial actions and governance strengthening
measures arising from the report.

This recovery reinforces the NSF’s broader governance renewal and institutional
repositioning agenda, which is focused on strengthening oversight over implementing
partners, tightening project monitoring controls, enhancing fiduciary safeguards, and
ensuring swift consequence management where maladministration, fraud or
corruption is identified.

The Fund remains resolute in its mandate to serve as a catalytic driver of skills
development, economic participation and social transformation, particularly for young
people, women, persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities.
The NSF believes that decisive action of this nature is essential to restoring public
confidence and ensuring that funds meant to change lives are protected, recovered
where necessary, and redirected to their rightful developmental purpose.

ENDS
Enquiries:
MediaEnquiries@nsf.org.za
Issued by National Skills Fund: Public Relations and Communication Unit