Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Karabo Khakhau has formally written to Tebogo Letsie, the Chairperson of the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, demanding urgent answers over R637 646 000 that cannot be properly accounted for.
Letsie leads the committee responsible for overseeing the Department of Higher Education and Training and its entities, including the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and various Sector Education and Training Authorities.
The matter follows findings by the Auditor General of South Africa relating to the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority.
According to the findings, the EDTP SETA reportedly spent R637 646 000 without sufficient supporting documentation or clear evidence detailing how the funds were used.
In a letter dated 22 March 2026, Khakhau called for urgent accountability and parliamentary intervention.
“Dear Chairperson T W Letsie, I trust this letter finds you well. I am writing following the Auditor General of South Africa’s findings on the EDTP SETA finances for the 2024 25 financial year,” she wrote.
“The Auditor General indicates that the EDTP SETA spent R637 646 000 without adequate supporting evidence. It is the Democratic Alliance’s concern that over six hundred million rand in public funds cannot be properly accounted for. This must not be allowed. The EDTP SETA must account for every rand spent and provide full transparency on how and by whom the funds were used.”
Khakhau further requested that the Portfolio Committee urgently convene a meeting with the EDTP SETA and the Auditor General of South Africa to address the matter.
The developments add to growing concerns around financial oversight and accountability within entities linked to the higher education sector.