The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a formal complaint with the Public Service Commission (PSC), calling for an urgent investigation into the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC). This follows a series of allegations brought to the DA’s attention by a whistleblower.
In addition, the DA was approached by concerned public servants working at the NHFC, a state-owned entity in the human settlements sector responsible for supporting housing delivery through affordable housing finance.
The complaint has been lodged in accordance with the PSC’s constitutional mandate, as outlined in section 196 (4)(a-c) of the Constitution. This mandate authorises the Commission to “investigate, monitor, and evaluate the organisation and administration, and personnel practices, of the public service,” to “propose measures to ensure effective and efficient performance within the public service,” and to “promote the values and principles set out in section 195 throughout the public service.”
These values and principles include promoting the “efficient, economic, and effective use of resources” and fostering “good human-resource management and career development practices to maximise human potential.”
The allegations against the NHFC include claims of financial mismanagement and irregular increases in board fees, among other concerns. As the custodian of the public service, the PSC must take urgent action to prevent the potential collapse of this entity. The Commission is urged to prioritise an investigation and recommend corrective measures to address these alleged irregularities within the NHFC.