Eleven accused and four companies appeared in court over an alleged scheme to siphon NSFAS bursary funds meant for students.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Eleven accused persons and four companies have appeared before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court in Polokwane following their arrest in connection with an alleged fraud and theft scheme targeting National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary funds intended for disadvantaged students.
The suspects were arrested on Monday, April 20, by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit and made their first court appearance on Tuesday, April 21. They remain out on bail and are expected to return to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on May 7.
Those accused include Sydwell Khulu Molala (47), Mokgere Anna Mamabolo (55), Maxwell Claudius Chinyemba (42), Matlaakhudu Cate Mogano (37), Malefetsana Johannes Mogano (31), Mokgopo Elias Mogano (42), Mmalegasa Piccah Semenya (30), Matome Aaron Maake (29), Salome Mmamotshaba Kganyago (52), Mmakgomo Lucy Semenya (49) and Moketla Nelson Mamabolo (27), alongside four companies allegedly used to channel and conceal funds.
Investigators allege the scheme dates back to 2017, when officials at Lephalale TVET College allegedly colluded to divert NSFAS bursary allocations meant for students. It is alleged that insiders in finance-related positions siphoned funds for personal gain, using bank accounts registered in the names of relatives and entities linked to shell companies to disguise transactions.
The matter follows sustained national scrutiny over NSFAS's financial management, amid repeated concerns about weak controls and irregular expenditure within the scheme.
As previously reported by The Star, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recovered more than R2 billion linked to unallocated NSFAS funds from universities, TVET colleges, and individuals who were not eligible for funding. The recoveries form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight and reduce financial leakage in the higher education funding system.
The SIU found that significant funds had remained unallocated between 2016 and 2021 due to weak reconciliation processes and control failures, allowing money intended for students to be retained or left unrecovered by institutions.
Despite recent reforms introduced by NSFAS,, including improved data-driven reporting systems and tighter payment-tracking mechanisms, authorities have warned that long-standing weaknesses continue to expose the system to abuse.
NSFAS has also processed more than 600,000 applications for the 2026 academic year, reflecting continued pressure on the scheme as demand for student funding grows.
Hawks Limpopo Provincial Head Major General Gopez Govender said the arrests demonstrate ongoing efforts to protect public funds.
“The Hawks remain committed to fighting corruption and protecting public funds, especially money meant to support students and education.”
He urged members of the public with information relating to corruption cases to come forward.
The matter returns to court in May, as investigations continue.
The Star
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