Stipend delays leave young learners caught in NSF project crisis

The National Skills Fund (NSF) is facing intense scrutiny as the ongoing delays in stipend payments for participants in an artisan and aviation training programme have raised questions about its project management capabilities.

The situation has deeply affected hundreds of aspiring young professionals, prompting members of Parliament to call for a thorough review of the Fund’s oversight processes.

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training convened to discuss the alarming stipend payment problems, which have reportedly disrupted the lives of around 800 learners enrolled in the NSF-funded initiative facilitated by Phila Jordan Capital (PJC).

These young individuals are receiving training in crucial engineering-related fields, including aircraft mechanics, avionics, structural work, electrical systems, fitting, turning, and welding – all essential skills that could significantly enhance their employability in a competitive job market.

Chairperson of the committee, Tebogo Letsie, expressed the heartbreaking reality faced by learners who primarily depend on these stipends for basic necessities such as accommodation, food, and transport. ‘Every delay places them under immense pressure and threatens their ability to continue with the programme,’ he said.

Many of these learners also contribute portions of their stipends to assist their families, illustrating the ripple effect of the NSF’s shortcomings. ‘If you are not paying, you are not only affecting one learner; there’s an entire ecosystem that you disturb,’ he added, highlighting the broader societal implications of the Fund’s management issues.

The NSF had sought to rescue the situation after terminating its agreement with PJC, originally budgeting approximately R354 million to support the 800 beneficiaries. However, the situation took a turn for the worse in January 2026 when PJC relocated learners without proper notification, a clear violation of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that governed their partnership.

This breach was compounded by a second unauthorised relocation in April 2026, following NSF’s request to halt such actions, leading to further disruptions in the programme that compromised both the welfare and safety of the learners involved.

Letsie also voiced concerns over the lack of timely and accurate information regarding learner payments, arguing that the project manager should have been closely monitoring payment statuses and maintaining regular communication with the participants.

Contradictory statements regarding claims of payments made in June were highlighted, as evidence from project partner Denel Technical indicated that many learners remained unpaid. ‘These serious contradictions suggest that the project manager is not involved in the project’s day-to-day operations,’ he remarked, underlining a significant lapse in accountability.

Members of the committee unanimously pointed out that, as the funding body, the NSF holds ultimate responsibility for proper management and oversight of the project. This has led to calls for a detailed examination of the shortcomings in the NSF’s administration. They questioned the repeated tendency of the NSF to attribute problems to third-party entities rather than owning its inadequate management practices.

Letsie stressed concerns regarding potential warning signs that may have been ignored early in the project timeline, particularly in January and February when the PJC was failing to meet its obligations.

With the intent of empowering vulnerable young individuals and equipping them with skills to participate fully in the economy, Letsie stated that their training and welfare must not be sidelined.

Inadequate project management and a lack of learner support not only compromise the future of these individuals but also lead to financial losses in the larger education system.

Addressing these issues has become urgent, as committee members demand that the project manager implement measures to enhance monitoring, communication, and oversight.

The committee has decided to organise a visit to meet with the learners directly, accompanied by the Minister of Higher Education and Training and representatives from the NSF, thereby allowing those affected to voice their experiences and concerns comprehensively.

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Picture: National Skills Fund / Facebook

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