Celeb designer Hangwani Nengovhela blew the R2,7 million designated for the abilities improvement programme inside simply 2 months of the cash being deposited into her checking account.
Hangwani, the proprietor of Rubicon, has been ordered by the Particular Investigating Unit (SIU) to repay the cash after not utilizing it for its meant objective, as she depleted the funds earlier than the undertaking even started.
Thula Sindi, one other South African designer, was allegedly concerned within the misappropriation of a R5 million grant from the Nationwide Lotteries Fee (NLC), alongside award-winning actress Terry Pheto.
HANGWANI BLEW 2,7 MILLION IN TWO MONTHS
The famend dressmaker, in partnership with the Nationwide Expertise Fund, was purported to facilitate a 12-month learnership program for 100 keen underprivileged learners to realize firsthand expertise within the enterprise and craft of vogue design.
The learners would have obtained accredited Nationwide Certificates in Clothes, Textile, Footwear, and Leather-based Manufacturing.
THE SIU ISSUED AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT
In line with an official assertion from the SIU spokesperson, Mr. Selby Makgotho, the Nationwide Expertise Fund transferred R2,699,968. 75 into the designer’s checking account on 6 November 2018 in preparation for the undertaking to begin at first of 2019.
“The Particular Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an Acknowledgement of Debt from Rubicon Communications CC and its Chief Government Officer, Ms Hangwani Mudangawe Nengovhela, for the reimbursement of R2,699,000.00 obtained from the Nationwide Expertise Fund (NSF),” started the assertion.
“The reimbursement will likely be made in month-to-month instalments of R74,772.29 beginning on 1 Might 2026, with curiosity accruing till the total quantity is settled.”
“Rubicon Communications CC was initially awarded R2,699,968.75 by the NSF in November 2018 to ship a management and abilities improvement programme for 100 learners. The undertaking was meant to begin in 2019 and run for 12 months, equipping learners with a Nationwide Certificates in Clothes, Textile, Footwear and Leather-based Manufacturing.”
THE SIU PROVIDED A BREAKDOWN OF THE MISUSE OF FUNDS
The forensic evaluation by the SIU reveals that Hangwani made a collection of funds to varied individuals, together with her members of the family. This resulted within the funds being depleted in November and December 2018.
“The cash was diverted to cowl Rubicon’s operational bills, logistics, equipment purchases, leases, mortgage repayments, faculty charges, and private transfers.”
“For instance, R1.39 million was spent on ‘operations and logistics,’ R200,000 on equipment, R90,000 on leases, and important quantities had been transferred to people linked to Rubicon.”
“By the top of December 2018, the complete allocation had been depleted leaving nothing for the learners the undertaking was meant to empower.”
HANGWANI HAS SIGNED THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF DEBT
The spokesperson added that though Hangwani has proven cooperation by signing the Acknowledgment of Debt, it doesn’t imply that these concerned are free from going through the potential for prosecution.
“The SIU, appearing beneath Proclamation No. 253 of 2025, investigated the matter and engaged Rubicon Communications CC to get better the misused funds.”
“After negotiations, the corporate signed an Acknowledgement of Debt in February 2026, guaranteeing that the NSF will get better the total quantity plus curiosity and prices.”
“The settlement and cost that observe don’t exempt the events concerned from being referred to the prosecuting authority for potential legal prosecution.”
THE SIU IS DEDICATED TO PROTECTING PUBLIC FUNDS
“The restoration underscores the SIU’s dedication to defending public funds and guaranteeing accountability.”
“Cash meant to uplift South Africans via abilities improvement will now be returned to the nationwide abilities fund, reinforcing the precept that corruption and maladministration is not going to go unchallenged.”
WHO IS RUBICON’S HANGWANI NENGOVHELA?
Hangwani is the heartbeat of the enduring vogue label, Rubicon, which has made outstanding strides all through its many years of existence.
Her expertise for designing garments that intensify a lady’s determine led to many celebrities and politicians sporting her clothes at pink carpet occasions.
Celebrities akin to Basetsana Kumalo are long-time supporters of the model, guaranteeing that the previous Miss South Africa at all times seems to be fabulous at occasions.
