Dr. Nomsa Masuku, a key figure in South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday, June 21, after her arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit. She faces fraud charges amounting to R1.2 million linked to her former position at Standard Bank.
At 62, Masuku previously led the corporate social investment (CSI) programme for the “Adopt-a-School Trust,” an initiative aimed at providing scholarships and educational opportunities for students supported by Standard Bank.
Hawks’ Colonel Katlego Mogale stated that Masuku is accused of misusing her authority to award scholarships to friends and family, circumventing proper selection processes and committee approvals. Allegations also suggest that some scholarship funds were deposited directly into her personal bank account.
An extensive investigation by the SCCI uncovered that Masuku manipulated documents and bypassed trust protocols, resulting in unauthorized disbursements totaling R1.2 million.
Masuku was charged with fraud at the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court, where she was granted bail set at R20,000. Her case has been postponed until September 4, 2024. Given her prominent role in the IEC, her court appearance is expected to attract significant public attention.
Masuku has been active during the election period and frequently conducted press briefings at the National Results Operation Centre in Midrand.
Prior to her role in the IEC, Masuku had a distinguished career at Standard Bank, where she managed the bank’s CSI initiatives, including the Adopt-a-School Trust. The allegations suggest she exploited her position for personal gain, undermining the Trust’s mission.
Her arrest marks a critical development for the IEC, an institution vital for upholding the integrity of South Africa’s electoral process.
In a media statement released on Friday, the IEC acknowledged the reported arrest of Commissioner Dr. Nomsa Masuku, clarifying that the allegations pertain to her previous employment and do not involve her current role within the Commission. The IEC will continue to monitor the situation.