Flight school took millions meant for poor students

The National Skills Fund (NSF) gave R148 million to a flight school called Flyfofa Aviation Training to help poor students from Gauteng become pilots and cabin crew. But the school cheated by saying students flew more hours than they really did. The school got paid for those fake hours.

Fake flying hours

When the NSF checked the students' logbooks against what the school claimed, they found a big difference. The school claimed over R3.8 million in fake hours. The school had to give credit notes and promise to make up the hours by June 2026. So far, it hasn't.

Money going to family businesses

The school paid over R13 million to other companies owned by the same director, Jacobeth Fisha, and her husband. For example, it paid R11 million to Teejay Properties for accommodation and transport. The NSF only found out later and asked for proof that the prices were fair. The proof was not good enough.

Sister company in trouble

The school's sister company, Flyfofa Airways, also has problems. It had a contract with South African Airways to lease planes, but the Special Investigating Unit says it charged millions for a grounded plane. The case is still in court. The school got the NSF money even though its sister company was accused of cheating.

What this means for job seekers

This story shows that money meant to train poor people for jobs can be wasted or stolen. The NSF is supposed to help unemployed youth get skills. The school did not answer any questions. It is important that funders check companies carefully so that training money goes where it is needed.

This article was originally published on Daily Maverick.