Public Protector to investigate award of R100 million from KZN Youth Empowerment Fund

ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has revealed that the Public Protector will investigate the awarding of R100 million to companies from the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Empowerment Fund.

The party lodged a complaint with the Public Protector regarding the awarding process, following allegations of wrongdoing.

The premier's office also halted the awarding process after these allegations surfaced.

In a statement, ActionSA leader in KZN, Zwakele Mncwango, said the party welcomed the investigation by the Public Protector.

“This follows our formal request to the Public Protector for a full investigation into the deeply flawed selection process, which was tainted by allegations of irregularities, coercion, and political interference.

“On 11 June 2025, we wrote to the Premier of KZN requesting that the announcement of beneficiaries be halted pending clarification and investigation. Regrettably, our letter was ignored. As a result, we escalated the matter to the Public Protector on 19 June 2025. On 28 August 2025, we met with the Public Protector to present all the evidence in our possession.

“We were encouraged by the constructive engagement and are pleased that the Public Protector has now also begun investigating this matter. We are confident that these investigations will uncover the truth and expose the abuse of public resources that should be empowering the youth of KZN,” he stated.

Mncwango added that this is the first step in their fight for justice and against poor governance.

He emphasised that ActionSA remains resolute in holding those responsible to account and ensuring that young people in the province benefit fairly and transparently from opportunities meant for them.

The premier's office stated that it will issue a statement on these developments in due course.

THE MERCURY