Question NW801 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
26 April 2024 - NW801
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total (a) amount of money was (i) lost by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme through detected fraud and/or maladministration in each year since 2017 and (ii) recouped and/or recovered in the same period and (b) number of criminal charges brought relating to detected fraud and/or maladministration?
Reply:
a) (i) Approximately R21 446 855 was lost.
(ii) None of the funds have been recovered as some of these matters are still being investigated by law enforcement agencies.
(b) The NSFAS has reported 14 matters with the SAPS relating to alleged fraud.