An investigation by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa and Daily Maverick has exposed governance failures, corruption and financial mismanagement at Northern Cape Urban TVET College in Kimberley, where students live in unsafe shacks while millions are spent on infrastructure like gates.
The college, with City, Moremogolo and Phatsimang campuses, provides skills training. In May 2022, the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education submitted a dossier on fraud and maladministration to the council. Financial oversight was deficient, with poor record-keeping and centralised power.
Daily Maverick’s site visit on 18 and 19 March uncovered dilapidated student housing. Acting principal Elgin Mokokong said repairs were underway. At Moremogolo, R11,786,736 was spent on two new entrances, approved by the council with no Auditor-General irregularities, according to Mokokong and Sam Zungu, deputy director-general for TVET colleges.
In contrast, Phatsimang’s rusted gate stays open, and a R5-million 2019 hostel renovation left it uninhabitable. Student Mpilo Mkhonza pays R1,600 for a Phomolong shack. Parliament member Delmaine Christians questioned former minister Nobuhle Nkabane on the neglect.
Water tanks stand empty due to asbestos issues, and nearly R500,000 on generators fails to prevent blackouts, per reports.