Background on the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Scheme
The Free State Provincial Government has long operated a bursary programme through the Office of the Premier to support financially disadvantaged students pursuing scarce-skills qualifications at higher education institutions across South Africa. The initiative targets fields critical to provincial development, such as engineering, health sciences, and information technology, aiming to build a skilled workforce while addressing historical inequalities in access to tertiary education.
Each year, the scheme allocates public funds to qualifying applicants who meet strict eligibility criteria, including academic performance, financial need, and commitment to working in the province after graduation. The programme operates in partnership with universities and technical and vocational education and training colleges, with payments covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and stipends.
The SIU Investigation: Scope and Authority
In 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the Special Investigating Unit to examine the bursary scheme under Proclamation 123 of 2023. The probe focused on the 2017/2018 financial year and subsequent administration, scrutinising payments for student travel, accommodation, and stipends managed by the Office of the Premier.
The investigation was prompted by referrals from the Auditor-General of South Africa, whose earlier reports had flagged irregularities in the handling of these funds. Acting SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho briefed the media on the findings on 2 June 2026, highlighting systemic failures in governance and oversight.
Key Findings of Maladministration and Irregular Expenditure
The SIU uncovered serious maladministration, including the negligent approval of bursaries, failure to verify eligibility, and irregular extensions of contracts. More than R8.3 million in irregular expenditure was identified, representing public money intended for deserving students but diverted through policy violations.
Officials approved awards without proper documentation or checks, leading to funds being allocated outside the intended purpose. The probe also examined suspense accounts at higher education institutions, resulting in arrangements for the repayment of credit balances owed to the Premier’s Office.
Ineligible Beneficiaries and Specific Irregularities
One of the most concerning aspects revealed was the awarding of bursaries to individuals who did not qualify under the scheme’s rules. Recipients included relatives of government officials, foreign nationals, a deceased student, and even ineligible public servants who were already employed full-time.
In several cases, officials extended bursary support beyond policy limits or failed to recover funds from students who abandoned their studies. These practices not only wasted resources but also undermined the scheme’s goal of developing scarce skills for the province’s economy.
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Accountability Measures and Referrals for Action
Following the investigation, the SIU referred 38 government officials for disciplinary action within their departments. Seven individuals have been recommended for criminal prosecution, with potential charges including fraud, theft, and money laundering.
The SIU emphasised that the findings relate to the period under review and are not connected to the current provincial administration. Two progress reports have already been submitted to the President, with a final report expected in September 2026.
Impact on Higher Education Institutions and Students
The irregularities have had ripple effects on universities and colleges in the Free State and beyond. Funds meant to support student success were left unaccounted for in institutional accounts, creating administrative burdens and delaying support for legitimate recipients.
Students pursuing critical qualifications faced uncertainty, while the province’s efforts to address skills shortages were hampered. The scandal highlights vulnerabilities in how provincial bursary schemes interface with national higher education funding mechanisms.
Broader Context of Public Funding Oversight in South African Higher Education
This case forms part of wider efforts to strengthen accountability in public spending on tertiary education. Similar probes by the SIU into national student funding bodies have underscored the need for robust verification processes and transparent allocation of resources.
Provincial schemes like the one in the Free State play a vital role alongside national initiatives, yet they require rigorous governance to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries and contribute to economic development.
Responses from Stakeholders and Next Steps
Provincial authorities have welcomed the SIU findings as an opportunity to restore integrity to the bursary programme. The focus now shifts to implementing the recommendations, recovering misappropriated funds, and preventing recurrence through improved systems.
Higher education stakeholders, including university administrators and student organisations, are calling for greater transparency and independent oversight of all provincial and institutional bursary allocations to rebuild trust among applicants and the public.
Photo by Kalea Morgan on Unsplash
Implications for Scarce Skills Development and Transformation
The maladministration threatens the province’s ability to develop professionals in high-demand sectors. By diverting resources from eligible students, the scheme fell short of its transformative objectives, particularly for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Reforms could include digitised application and verification systems, stricter eligibility audits, and closer collaboration between the Office of the Premier, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and institutions to align bursary awards with labour market needs.
Future Outlook and Strengthening Governance
With the final SIU report due later in 2026, expectations are high for comprehensive recommendations that will guide legislative and administrative changes. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical leadership in managing public resources dedicated to higher education.
By addressing the root causes of maladministration, the Free State and other provinces can ensure that bursary schemes fulfil their promise of expanding access to quality tertiary education and fostering sustainable skills development across South Africa.
