BLOEMFONTEIN – The premier of the Free State Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae welcomes the findings by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the bursary programme in the Office of the Premier.
The investigation by the SIU focused on the Office of the Premier’s report on bursaries for the financial year 2017/18.
This included travel costs, improperly awarded stipends as well as accommodation which were in violation of the bursary project.
Letsoha-Mathae said scores of deserving youth missed out on furthering their studies because of malfeasance by government officials. She however made it clear that disciplinary measures will be taken against all those implicated.
She also said the investigation unearthed governance deficiencies and administrative weaknesses that created opportunities for abuse, irregular decision-making, and inadequate oversight. It was against these shortcomings that the current administration, which is according to Letsoha-Mathae committed to ethical leadership and accountability, recognised the need for these matters to be thoroughly investigated.
Letsoha-Mathae is convinced that public confidence in government can be strengthened when allegations of maladministration are investigated openly, and corrective action is taken where wrongdoing is identified.
“To avoid repetition of the same flawed process, the provincial government has identified the need for stronger governance systems and more transparent processes in the allocation of bursaries, she explained in a news release on Tuesday.
“One such move was the publicly advertised bursary application process. Previously, bursary allocations were largely dependent on nominations by political office-bearers and Heads of Department. While that process may have been intended to identify deserving candidates, it inevitably excluded many young people who had no access to such nomination channels.
“Since assuming office, we have introduced reforms aimed at improving oversight, strengthening compliance, and ensuring fairness in the administration of the programme. These reforms are designed to eliminate opportunities for abuse while ensuring that deserving young people receive the support they need to pursue their studies. Today, bursary opportunities are publicly advertised, allowing all qualifying young people across the Free State an equal opportunity to apply and compete on merit. This has enhanced transparency and broadened access to educational opportunities for many deserving students,” Letsoha-Mathae said.
