The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) reports irregularities of about R8 million in the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Scheme administered by the Office of the Premier. According to multiple reports, the SIU identifies bursary payments that include allocations to ineligible recipients, as well as awards made to officials’ relatives and foreign nationals. The SIU also points to payments linked to a deceased student, indicating that bursary funds were released despite eligibility concerns.
In addition to identifying irregular expenditure, the SIU makes disciplinary referrals. One outlet reports that the SIU has made 36 referrals for disciplinary action against officials involved in the programme. The officials named for disciplinary consideration include human resources personnel, administrative staff and directors, with alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act and the Free State bursary policy.
Across the sources, the core findings are consistent: the SIU concludes that the bursary programme includes improper awards and irregular spending exceeding R8 million, and it refers multiple officials for potential disciplinary action based on suspected policy and legal breaches.
