SIU to Provide Update on Free State Bursary Scheme Investigation

Bloemfontein: The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to deliver an update on its ongoing investigation concerning the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Scheme at an upcoming media briefing scheduled for Tuesday. This scheme is designed for unemployed youth in the province, aiming to support their higher education pursuits in critical fields such as agriculture, accounting, and engineering. According to South African Government News Agency, the investigation, initiated under Proclamation 123 of 2023, scrutinizes the Office of the Premier's 2017/2018 bursary report. It focuses on payments related to travel, accommodation, and stipends that may have been improperly granted or were in breach of the bursary policy. The probe also addresses issues of student accommodation payments, maladministration, and related unauthorized or wasteful expenditures, along with any unlawful activities by officials or associated parties. The SIU further examined suspense account funds at various higher education instit utions and organized reimbursement for any credit balances found to be owed to the Premier's Office. This effort underscores the SIU's dedication to thorough financial oversight and accountability. The media briefing will be conducted by Acting SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho, alongside Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and the Director-General of the Free State Provincial Government, Dr. Molefinyana Phera. The release of the investigation report is considered a significant step in the process, emphasizing the SIU's dedication to transparency and public engagement.