IEC Commissioner Nomsa Masuku and Nephew Face Court Over Alleged R1.2m Fraud

The Johannesburg specialised commercial crimes court has granted bail to Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) commissioner Nomsa Masuku, her nephew Ciniso Masuku, and co-accused Phillip Roux over charges of fraud and theft linked to Standard Bank’s corporate social investment (CSI) programme.

Bail Conditions

• Ciniso Masuku was granted bail of R20,000 and must report to the police station twice a week. He is also barred from applying for travel documents.
• Nomsa Masuku and Phillip Roux were granted bail of R20,000 and R10,000, respectively.

The trio is expected to return to court on February 6, 2025.

The Allegations

The case revolves around alleged misuse of funds from Standard Bank’s Adopt-a-School Scholarship Trust, established to support deserving pupils.

• Nomsa Masuku, formerly Standard Bank’s CSI head and a founder of the scholarship trust, allegedly transferred R800,000 from the trust to Silver Arrow Management Solutions, a company directed by Roux, between December 2012 and March 2013.
• Roux allegedly funneled R335,000 back to Nomsa’s account, reportedly to conceal the source of the money.
• Ciniso Masuku, despite reportedly failing to meet the scholarship’s academic requirements, was awarded a bursary, allegedly due to his aunt’s involvement in the programme.

Ciniso Masuku’s Background

During his bail application, the court heard that Ciniso:

• Is a South African citizen born in Eswatini, with a late father of South African origin.
• Lives with his sister in Northriding, Johannesburg.
• Holds a diploma in multimedia but is currently unemployed, having previously earned R5,000 to R6,000 monthly as a freelance animator.

The case underscores concerns about governance and transparency within public and private institutions. While the court proceedings unfold, the allegations against a high-ranking IEC official raise questions about ethical conduct in leadership roles.

Stay tuned as this story develops and the accused return to court in February.

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