An investigation conducted by the civil society group the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) into allegations of corruption and irregularities has uncovered how millions were looted at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Service Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA).

The investigation revealed how service providers and public servants formed a network to assist each other in tender processes and got involved in business relationships.

Outa also found there were close links between officials in the Department of Higher Education and service providers where contracts worth millions of rands were awarded.

These revelations follow an investigation into corruption and irregular contracts at the SSETA after a successful Promotion of Access to Information Act application relating to a R163m contract for a biometric attendance monitoring system awarded to the Grayson Reed consortium.

The Sunday Tribune reports that SUI spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the investigating unit received a report from Outa.

Kganyago said the SIU investigation into the specific focus area was ongoing, but refused to comment on the context and findings due to SIU’S legislative prescripts.

Outa started investigating allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds in the contract after being alerted by a whistle-blower.

The group found a series of irregularities pertaining to travel and accommodation claims worth R2.168bn.

Most invoices were submitted without source documents and some had source documents that did not back up the claim or appeared to be fraudulent.

Full Sunday Tribune report