The Democratic Alliance has opened a criminal case against Construction Education and Training Authority administrator Oupa Nkoane for allegedly approving his own R3-million annual salary, six times higher than the amount prescribed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training.

The DA laid charges today, 19 May, alleging Nkoane fraudulently authorised the salary package despite Minister Buti Manamela having prescribed R500 000 for the position.

The matter came to light when Nkoane appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, where he admitted to the salary increase, citing his own financial reasons. The DA has submitted video evidence of the parliamentary meeting and official committee records to the South African Police Service.

The opposition party alleges Nkoane’s actions contravene sections 86(2) read with sections 50(1)(b), 50(2)(a) and (b), 51(1)(b)(ii) and 51(1)(h) of the Public Finance Management Act. The DA’s complaint states that Nkoane wilfully and in a grossly negligent manner contravened the PFMA for personal gain.

Minister Manamela intervened in January 2026, overruling the decision and approving a R2.5-million package instead. By that time, Nkoane had already received an overpayment of R208,333 between October 2025 and March 2026.

The SAPS has confirmed opening a case and will assign an investigating officer to probe the allegations.

DA deputy spokesperson on higher education and training, Karabo Khakhau, said the party demands a full criminal investigation and urgent steps to recover lost public funds.

Nkoane was appointed by the minister to address governance issues at CETA. The DA had previously opposed his appointment.

The party used the incident to renew calls for the scrapping of Sector Education and Training Authorities, describing them as ineffective in delivering skills development and job creation.