The Special Investigating Unit recovered more than R2 billion in unallocated and improperly retained National Student Financial Aid Scheme funds from universities, TVET colleges, and unqualified beneficiaries. Of this amount, R1.7 billion was returned to NSFAS in January 2026 for reallocation to eligible students. The recoveries form part of the SIU’s investigation into corruption and maladministration and demonstrate efforts to recover public funds lost through unlawful conduct.

 The department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been ordered to recover stolen public funds, marking a significant step in its efforts to combat corruption and fraud. The department has collaborated with the South African Union (SIU) to expedite investigations into corruption and fraud, and is finalizing lifestyle audits for at least 400 high-risk officials. The minister has welcomed a R67 million recovery order from the SIU against a plumbing contractor, Kroucamp Plumbers, for septic tank vacuum pumping and emergency sewage blockage interventions, dismissing a R33 million counterclaim.