Daily Maverick reports that on the basis that the life of its chief executive Dr Thabo Mashongoane was under threat, the Mining Qualification Authority (MQA) spent more than R2.1-million on his security from February to September 2025.

Mashongoane was recently reappointed by the sector education and training authority (Seta) after serving at the entity since 2021. According to a number of invoices obtained through a whistleblower, Mashongoane has been paying DDL Security Services, a 24/7 company based in Sandton, for its services. It offers security services, including armed and unarmed security officers, in the commercial, residential, retail and educational sectors. The documents show a large sum was paid to the security company from February to September 2025 for the use of SUV vehicles and two close-protection officers; amounting to just more than R2.1-million.

The chief financial officer at MQA, Elaine Brass, explained: “A formal threat and risk assessment specifically related to the CEO was conducted by the MQA in February 2025 prior to the procurement of the services, again in June 2025 in order to assess the need for the services and to determine whether the services could be provided safely. Based on the results of the assessments, it was determined to provide security support to the CEO in order to protect his personal safety and wellbeing.” The Department of Higher Education and Training was asked whether it was aware of these security risks and what steps had been taken to intervene, assist the threatened CEO or provide appropriate security measures under the department’s oversight. Its response is awaited.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siyabonga Goni at Daily Maverick

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