The investigation found cases of students continuing to receive funding despite poor academic performance
By Mapaballo Borotho
A probe by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has revealed that millions of rands in Free State bursary funds were allegedly awarded to officials’ relatives, deceased individuals, foreign nationals and other beneficiaries who did not meet the qualifying criteria.
The investigation also uncovered irregular expenditure and unaccounted-for funds held in university accounts, raising serious concerns about how money intended to support deserving students was managed.
Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho unpacked the findings and outlined the next steps during an interview on Kaya 959’s Point of View with Phemelo Motene.
According to Lekgetho, the irregularities date back to the 2017/2018 financial period.
“What we found is that officials awarded bursaries to relatives without following the relevant processes. We also found instances of maladministration where bursaries were awarded to students who had failed their modules,” said Lekgetho.
He explained that bursary policies generally require funding to be discontinued when students repeatedly fail to meet academic requirements. However, the SIU found cases where students continued receiving funding despite poor academic performance.
“There was one particular student who continued receiving funding despite failing modules and completing a three-year qualification over a period of seven years,” he said.
The SIU further found that one beneficiary passed away while receiving financial assistance, yet payments allegedly continued after the individual’s death.
“In another instance, foreign nationals were awarded bursaries even though the policy stipulates that the programme is intended for qualifying South African youth. More than R500 000 was allegedly paid to foreign nationals who did not qualify in terms of the bursary policy,” Lekgetho said.
The investigation also revealed cases where individuals who were already employed full-time allegedly benefited from bursary funding despite not meeting the intended criteria.
According to Lekgetho, some beneficiaries also received funding from multiple sources simultaneously.
“The irregularities went as far as some students receiving funding from both the Office of the Premier bursary programme and NSFAS at the same time, resulting in duplicate funding,” he added.
The SIU’s findings have raised concerns about oversight, accountability and compliance within the management of the bursary programme. Investigations into the matter continue, with authorities expected to determine whether further action will be taken against those implicated.
Listen to the podcast for the full discussion.
#SIUWorkingForYou| SIU’s investigation revealed that officials approved bursaries negligently, failed to comply with the eligibility criteria, and irregularly extended bursary contracts.
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) June 3, 2026
1. One official awarded bursaries to relatives without following due process.
2. An… pic.twitter.com/0sriardFcC
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