An investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered that R8.3 million in bursary funding was allocated by the Free State Office of the Premier without following proper processes during the 2017/2018 administration.
According to Acting SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho, the irregular allocations saw bursaries awarded to foreign nationals, relatives of government officials, and individuals who did not meet qualification criteria. The probe further found that officials approved bursaries negligently and failed to exercise adequate oversight. In total, 161 students benefited from the irregularly awarded bursaries.
SIU Spokesperson Selby Makgotho explained that the investigation followed findings by the Auditor General in 2019/2020, which flagged irregularities in bursary awards. A proclamation granted to the SIU in 2023 enabled a deeper probe, which revealed that bursaries were awarded in a manner that did not comply with statutory, legal, and other compliance frameworks. Makgotho noted there was no policy in place to monitor the awarding process, and some recipients were not even registered on the national population register. Questions also arose regarding how a suspense account was opened and utilized for these disbursements.
Makgotho confirmed that referrals have been made to the relevant prosecuting authorities and that the final report is scheduled for release on 30 September. Systemic recommendations have been submitted to the Office of the Premier, with assurances received that implementation is underway. Officials found wanting have been identified and are undergoing disciplinary processes. The SIU is also still obtaining rights of reply from implicated officials and verifying records, including reaching out to individuals whose names appeared as recipients—some of whom expressed surprise, stating they never received the funds.
Sabelo Ngwenya, regional spokesperson for the ANC Youth League in Mangaung, welcomed the SIU’s findings. He emphasized that the misallocation deprived deserving students of educational opportunities, noting that while R6.3 million has been recovered, accountability remains critical. Ngwenya called for the immediate dismissal of the 38 implicated officials, pending investigation, citing violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). He referenced Section 38, for failing to prevent irregular expenditure and maintain effective financial and risk management systems, and Section 45, for failing to manage funds and state resources effectively.
Addressing concerns about recurrence, Ngwenya stated that bursaries under the current administration are being awarded correctly to deserving candidates. He acknowledged past wrongdoings in the province but stressed that this case highlights the role of officials in corrupt activities, reinforcing the call for swift disciplinary action.
Makgotho reiterated that the SIU’s final report will undergo rigorous procedural compliance to ensure it can effectively inform potential court proceedings. The unit remains committed to closing outstanding investigative areas, including clarifying the oversight role of those responsible for approving the bursaries and the criteria applied.
