Investigations would soon be underway to ascertain if management at the National Development Agency (NDA) had misused public funds and hired family members of friends to fill posts in the organisation, the Social Development department said yesterday.

In a statement the department said minister Zola Skweyiya had launched a probe into the use of public funds for poverty alleviation projects as well as perceived "malpractices" with regard to the employment of staff.

The investigation would be conducted by Gobodo Forensic Audit Consultants and the Auditor General.

"I am seriously concerned about the allegations relating to the NDA and would like to see this investigated as a matter of urgency given the fact that the NDA plays a very critical role in our efforts to fight poverty and strengthen civil society.

It is therefore imperative that we ensure transparency, accountability and good governance at all times in line with the dictates of the constitution," Skweyiya was quotes as saying in the statement. – Sapa.