SIU finds R83 million in irregular expenditure in Free State bursary programme

Editor’s note: This draft corrects the headline and first paragraph to reflect that the Special Investigating Unit identified R83 million in irregular expenditure linked to the Free State bursary programme, clarifies the meaning of “irregular expenditure”, and updates language throughout to replace earlier references to “unauthorised bursary payments”. Sources for this update include IOL, SAnews and AllAfrica (links cited below).

SIU identifies R83 million in irregular expenditure

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has identified R83 million in irregular expenditure linked to the Free State Office of the Premier’s bursary programme, the unit said as it updated the public on its probe into the scheme.

What the SIU means by “irregular expenditure”

Irregular expenditure in this context refers to spending that occurred in violation of applicable laws, regulations or internal procedures governing the bursary scheme. This contrasts with the narrower term “unauthorised payments”, which would specifically indicate payments made without proper approval. The SIU has described the probe as examining alleged irregular, unauthorised and wasteful expenditure linked to bursary payments.

Scope of the probe

The SIU said the investigation authorised under Proclamation 123 of 2023 focuses on payments for student accommodation, travel and stipends, and on the causes of maladministration in the bursary programme. The unit is also examining suspense account balances at higher education institutions and has facilitated repayments where credit balances owed to the Office of the Premier were identified.

Recoveries and referrals

The SIU confirmed that recoveries are under way and that it has made disciplinary and criminal referrals in relation to its findings. The unit has secured acknowledgements of debt and facilitated repayments from institutions where applicable. The SIU also referred evidence involving individuals to prosecuting authorities for possible criminal action. The exact totals recovered so far and the names of individuals referred have not been publicly disclosed.

Why this matters

This investigation matters for students in the Free State because it concerns public funding intended to support access to higher education. The SIU says the probe is aimed at protecting that funding by addressing maladministration and potential unlawful conduct, and the outcome has implications for public trust in bursary programmes.

Authorities involved and next steps

The SIU’s media briefing was led by Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho and included participation from Free State provincial officials. The unit described the release of its report and the briefing as part of its commitment to transparency. Further action depends on ongoing tracing, recovery processes and any decisions by prosecuting authorities on referred matters.

Sources

• IOL: WATCH | SIU updates probe into Free State bursary scheme corruption allegations
• SAnews: SIU provide update on FS bursary scheme investigation
• AllAfrica: SIU update on Free State bursary probe