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SIU Secures Deal for Rubicon to Repay R2.7 Million NSF Grant

The deal initiates recovery of the 2018 grant misuse with prosecution still possible.

Overview

  • A Thursday announcement by the SIU disclosed a signed deal that compels Rubicon Communications to repay R2,699,000 to the National Skills Fund.
  • Repayments begin on 1 May 2026 at R74,772.29 per month with interest accruing until the balance is cleared.
  • SIU forensic work found the full grant was spent in November and December 2018 on operations, machinery, rentals, loan repayments, school fees, and personal transfers.
  • The 12-month programme due in 2019 for 100 learners did not take place, which cost them a path to an accredited manufacturing certificate.
  • The investigation ran under Proclamation No. 253 of 2025 with the SIU stating that referral to the National Prosecuting Authority remains possible.