Minister Blade Nzimande responds to allegations contained in leaked OUTA report

5 January 2024

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande has noted with serious concern the allegations against him contained in a leaked report by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).

The Minister wishes to reject the malicious allegations contained in the leaked OUTA report and further reassures the public that he never used any money from any of Department’s entities for the purpose of funding the South African Communist Party (SACP).

The Minister views the allegations contained in this leaked report as reckless and largely based on gossip and are intended to undermine a smooth start to the 2024 academic year.

Furthermore, given the damaging allegations continued in this report the Minister reserves his right to take the necessary legal action.

The Minister wishes to reaffirm his and the Department’s commitment to clean governance within the Department and its entities.

The Minister remains focused on the immediate task of preparing for the start of the 2024 academic year, and we call upon all our Post-School Education and Training stakeholders not to be distracted but to focus on the start of the academic year.

Issued by Department of Higher Education and Training, 5 January 2024