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  • keyboard_arrow_rightNine Fort Hare officials dace disciplinary action over inflated student accommodation contracts

Nine Fort Hare officials dace disciplinary action over inflated student accommodation contracts

By Zuko Komisa

University of Fort Hare | Wikimedia Commons
  • The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) uncovered widespread overcharging in student accommodation contracts at the University of Fort Hare (UFH).
  • Over R3.3 million in inflated charges was identified, with service providers either paying in full or signing Acknowledgements of Debt (AoDs).
  • Beyond recovering public funds, the SIU referred nine current and former UFH officials for disciplinary action.

South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recovered millions of rands improperly billed to the University of Fort Hare (UFH) for student accommodation.

The financial recoveries follow an extensive probe into inflated lease contracts at the Eastern Cape institution.

An audit of lease agreements and financial records revealed that multiple service providers were paid well above their contracted rates.

Consequently, the SIU issued formal letters of demand and engaged the implicated companies, securing full repayments from Lynton and Harmony (R103,829.96) and Equicent Eastern Cape Developments (R302,814.50).

A third entity, Tshongwane Trust, signed an AoD for R2,928,163.84 and has repaid R1,620,000 to date, with the remaining balance accruing interest.

Beyond financial recovery, the anti-corruption body referred nine former and current university officials for disciplinary proceedings over their involvement in the leasing schemes.

“The recovery of funds underscores the SIU’s commitment to protecting the public purse and ensuring accountability,” the SIU stated.

Operating under Proclamation R84 of 2022 (amended by Proclamation R194 of 2024), the SIU continues to investigate procurement irregularities, administrative malpractice, and academic misconduct at UFH.

The unit retains civil litigation powers to reclaim state assets and rectify maladministration.

READ NEXT: Government reveals progress on long-awaited University of Ekurhuleni

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