The Special Investigating Unit is set to brief the media on its investigation into the Free State Provincial Government bursary scheme, focusing on alleged irregular and wasteful expenditure.
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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is updating the media on the investigation into the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Scheme, which focuses on alleged irregular, unauthorised, and wasteful expenditure linked to bursary payments.
According to SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho, the briefing will provide an update on the probe conducted under Proclamation 123 of 2023.
Makgotho said the annual bursary scheme was intended to assist financially disadvantaged students in the Free State in accessing higher education in scarce-skills fields, while also addressing the province’s shortage of skilled professionals.
He said the SIU investigation stems from the Office of the Premier’s 2017/2018 report on bursaries and examines payments made for travel, accommodation, and stipends that were allegedly improperly awarded or in violation of bursary policy.
''The SIU’s investigation looks at payments for student accommodation, causes of maladministration, and related unauthorised or wasteful expenditure,'' said Makgotho.
The probe further examines any unlawful conduct by officials or other individuals linked to the administration of the bursary scheme.
In addition, the SIU has looked into suspense account funds at higher education institutions and facilitated repayment where credit balances owed to the Office of the Premier were identified.
The briefing will be led by Acting Head of the SIU, Leonard Lekgetho, and will be joined virtually by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and Free State Director-General Dr Molefinyana Phera.
"The release of the report is a key milestone in the investigation, highlighting the SIU’s commitment to transparency and keeping the public informed,'' Makgotho said.
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