eZaga Holdings (eZaga), one of the four fintech providers selected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), on Wednesday rejected accusations by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) that it paid kickbacks to secure a contract.
OUTA has accused Higher Education Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board chairperson Ernest Khosa of being involved in corruption.
OUTA recently released voice recordings of two meetings between Khosa and a service provider representative, revealing how service providers allegedly paid millions of rand to Minister Nzimande and Khosa in kickbacks for tenders.
Both Minister Nzimande and NSFAS board chair Khosa have denied any wrongdoing and reject the findings of the OUTA report.
Service provider eZaga has now joined the minister and NSFAS chair in rejecting OUTA’s accusations of corruption involving kickbacks to secure lucrative tenders worth millions of rand.
“eZaga firmly stands by its truth, asserting that it has never engaged in any discussions with stakeholders, including OUTA. The allegations are baseless,” said Ismail Ally, COO at eZaga.
“eZaga would like to clarify and provide its stance on the allegations”
“In light of the recent publication of the investigative OUTA report and the subsequent remarks by the Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Blade Nzimande, eZaga Holdings (eZaga) firmly rejects any allegations of its involvement in discussions, reports, or recordings related to this matter”.
The COO of eZaga said the company’s stance was in response to Minister Nzimande’s assertation that the OUTA report mirrors the state of affairs with all service providers post the announcement of NSFAS’s intentions to terminate the contracts.
WATCH: Minister Blade Nzimande Responds To OUTA Graft Accusations Involving NSFAS – The Bulrushes
“eZaga has never engaged in any of these discussions with any stakeholders, including OUTA,” said Ally.
“However, media reports are alleging that ‘all’ service providers have done so.
“We reiterate our position that these allegations are baseless and would like to further clarify our standpoint about the report, and the statements made by the minister during his press conference.”
Ally made the following declarations about eZaga:
Stance against corruption:
- eZaga Holdings, its directors, employees and board categorically deny any involvement in corrupt practices with the NSFAS Board or the minister.
- Furthermore, no discussions were ever held in a personal capacity by anyone associated with our company.
Non-involvement in the OUTA report:
- We reassert that we were not involved in any discussions, reports or recordings mentioned in the OUTA report.
- We strongly dispute any implication by association of our involvement in the reported discussions.
Dedication to service delivery:
- Despite facing challenges, we continue to be unwavering in our commitment to providing an efficient and comprehensive service to NSFAS beneficiaries. From the outset, this has been our core mission.
- We are committed to ensuring the seamless allocation of funds to those in need.
Ongoing legal proceedings:
- eZaga has procured legal representation to address the allegations surrounding contract cancellations.
- The company is prepared to initiate further legal actions to defend its rights and reputation against any baseless allegations.
Our commitment to cooperation and transparency:
- eZaga is open to collaboration, transparency and further discussions to resolve any concerns or misunderstandings.
- We remain steadfast in its mission to support education and make a positive impact on the future of South African students.
