RUBICON COMMUNICATIONS TO REPAY R2.7 MILLION IN FUNDS
BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA
SIU SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH RUBICON COMMUNICATIONS TO REPAY R2.7 MILLION IN FUNDS THAT WERE MISUSED, WHICH WERE INITIALLY INTENDED FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an Acknowledgement of Debt from Rubicon Communications CC and its Chief Executive Officer, Ms Hangwani Mudangawe Nengovhela, for the repayment of R2,699,000.00 received from the National Skills Fund (NSF). The repayment will be made in monthly instalments of R74,772.29 starting on 1 May 2026, with interest accruing until the full amount is settled.
Rubicon Communications CC was initially awarded R2,699,968.75 by the NSF in November 2018 to deliver a leadership and skills development programme for 100 learners. The project was meant to start in 2019 and run for 12 months, equipping learners with a National Certificate in Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Manufacturing.
However, the SIU’s forensic analysis revealed that the funds were spent within two months of receipt, between November and December 2018, long before the training could begin. The money was diverted to cover Rubicon’s operational expenses, logistics, machinery purchases, rentals, loan repayments, school fees and personal transfers.
For example, R1.39 million was spent on “operations and logistics,” R200,000 on machinery, R90,000 on rentals, and significant amounts were transferred to individuals linked to Rubicon. By the end of December 2018, the entire allocation had been depleted, leaving nothing for the learners the project was meant to empower.
This misuse of funds meant that the leadership programme never took place, and 100 learners were denied the opportunity to gain critical skills that could have improved their livelihoods. The SIU, acting under Proclamation No. 253 of 2025, investigated the matter and engaged Rubicon Communications CC to recover the misused funds.
After negotiations, the company signed an Acknowledgement of Debt in February 2026, ensuring that the NSF will recover the full amount plus interest and costs. The agreement and payment that follow do not exempt the parties involved from being referred to the prosecuting authority for potential criminal prosecution.
This recovery underscores the SIU’s commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring accountability. Money meant to uplift South Africans through skills development will now be returned to the NSF, reinforcing the principle that corruption and maladministration will not go unchallenged.
In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered
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