Stalled Probe Into BEEI “Overpayments” to Officials Raises Red Flags in North West

A critical investigation into alleged irregular overpayments to senior officials managing a national youth jobs program in the North West has stalled for over six months, raising concerns about financial mismanagement and political interference. The national Department of Basic Education (DBE) is still awaiting outcomes from the provincial education department regarding flagged payments made under the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI).

The BEEI, a Presidential Youth Employment Stimulus program, aims to tackle youth unemployment by placing young people as education and general assistants in schools. However, the DBE raised alarms after learning that payments to the provincial project manager and coordinators for Phase V allegedly breached national guidelines on secondments and salary scales.

“Significant Financial Risks” and Alleged Political Blockage

In a strongly worded letter dated August 2025, DBE Director-General Mathanzima Mweli warned the North West superintendent-general that the province’s non-compliance posed “significant financial risks” and undermined the program’s integrity. Mweli stated that funds meant for project oversight were improperly diverted to salaries, compromising other critical functions.

Despite repeated engagements, no investigation has been concluded. Sources allege the delay is because some beneficiaries of the overpayments are linked to political appointments within the provincial executive, suggesting that Education MEC Viola Motsumi may be blocking or slowing the probe.

Data Delays Threaten Entire Programme

The fallout extends beyond the overpayments. The DBE has cited “significant challenges” due to the North West’s delayed submission of assistant appointment data. Timely and accurate data is crucial for verifying stipends, ensuring quality assurance, and preventing double payments. Mweli warned that failure to comply would “lead to severe risks and compromise compliance.”

Faced with provincial inaction, the DBE has continued national stipend payments to avoid disrupting the entire BEEI initiative, which supports over 200,000 young people. However, the impasse leaves a cloud over the program’s governance in the province.

A Test of Accountability

The stalled probe presents a stark test of accountability for a program designed as a “bridge to opportunity” for unemployed youth. It highlights how internal governance failures can threaten both public funds and a vital social intervention. With neither the DBE nor the MEC’s office providing comment, the people of North Westand the national fiscusare left waiting for answers, while allegations of misconduct hang in the air. The integrity of a key youth empowerment initiative may depend on whether this investigation is ever allowed to see the light of day.

{Source: Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com