Investigations into corruption allegations against National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) CEO Andile Nongongo kicked off yesterday, including the review of the scheme's procurement systems and processes. This is after the board appointed Werkmans Incorporated to investigate the allegations levelled against the suspended Nongongo last week.

Nongongo was placed on special leave last week after allegations of him having links to a company that was awarded a lucrative tender by NSFAS. Board chairperson Ernest Khosa said the investigations will include finding out how his work at Services SETA may relate to unacceptable conduct in awarding bids at the entity. Well-known lawyers Advocates Tembeka Ngcukaitobi and Sandile July have been appointed to lead the investigation. The board said, in a statement ,that the appointment follows the recent board decision on the matter. "Once again the board of directors wishes to reiterate its commitment to clean governance," said Khosa.

In a statement last week, Khosa said in the interest of the image of NSFAS, the board has resolved to investigate the allegations with a particular focus on the Direct Payment project. The board said that it believes that in executing this responsibility, public trust must be of paramount importance. Khosa added that the board wished to reiterate that the investigation is no pronouncement of guilt against Nongongo. The statement further said that the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Masile Ramorwesi will act as the CEO until further notice.