21 May 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARREST EFFECTED IN CETA AMID FRAUD INVESTIGATION

The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) confirms that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has effected an arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged procurement fraud involving cellular phone acquisitions.

The matter came to light through strengthened internal controls and oversight introduced under CETA's current administration. A preliminary investigation uncovered an alleged scheme in which an official assigned to procurement of mobile devices is suspected of falsifying documents to authorise orders, which were subsequently sold for personal benefit.

Upon detection, CETA reported the matter to SAPS, which led to the arrest. Parallel internal disciplinary processes are underway in line with CETA’s policies.

The Administrator said: "The detection of this matter and our cooperation with law enforcement reflect the work underway to restore governance, accountability and ethical conduct at CETA. We are committed to recovering losses where possible. This is the Road to Renewal in practice."

CETA will not comment on the identity of the individual or the specifics of the matter while it is sub judice and disciplinary processes are underway. Further updates will be provided as appropriate and in a manner that respects due process and the rights of all parties.

Issued by:
Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)

Media Enquiries:
Jabulani Jiyane

083 296 8347

18 May 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CETA RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY DISCUSSIONS AND MEDIA REPORTING FOLLOWING APPEARANCE BEFORE THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE

The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) has been monitoring public discourse following its recent appearance before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, as well as subsequent media reports relating to governance, financial management and operational matters within the institution.

CETA wishes to reaffirm its commitment to respecting the Parliamentary processes, hence our appearance before the Portfolio Committee last week. While CETA is clear that these allegations are rather unfortunate and misinformed, it, however, wishes to refrain from addressing these allegations through public platforms until the Parliamentary process is concluded. The Administrator’s salary issue was not handled in an irregular manner at all, but the best entity to address the issue is the Department of Higher Education.

CETA notes the Parliamentary statement which says, “The committee said the salary paid between October 2025 and March 2026 constituted irregular expenditure, as DHET had not approved it. Members also said the department’s non-responsiveness to the CETA letter about the salary increase contributed to the debacle.”

The Committee also noted the delays on the side of the department as an injustice to the Administrator. Moreover, some of these allegations are subject to investigation and other legal processes. Parliament has requested further clarity on some of these matters and CETA will respond to these directly to Parliament. While CETA would like to put these matters to rest, the pending processes constrain what CETA can state publicly at this stage.

We remain resolute and committed in transforming CETA in executing the turn-around mandate.

CETA remains committed to cooperating with all lawful oversight, investigative and governance processes and remains focused on restoring accountability, institutional stability and public confidence within the organisation.

Issued by:
Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)

Media Enquiries:
Jabulani Jiyane
083 296 8347