PREMIER LETSOHA-MATHAE SUPPORTS SIU PROBE INTO FREE STATE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT BURSARY PROGRAM

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae

By: Staff Reporter

Free State Province Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has acknowledged and welcomed the findings from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) concerning the bursary programme within the Office of the Premier.

She emphasized that disciplinary actions will be taken against all those involved.

The SIU's investigation, under Proclamation 123 of 2023, examined the Office of the Premier’s bursary report for the 2017/18 financial year.

This included issues with travel expenses, improperly awarded stipends, and accommodation that breached the bursary project guidelines.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae stated that many deserving young individuals were deprived of educational opportunities due to misconduct by government officials.

She also mentioned that the investigation revealed governance flaws and administrative weaknesses, which led to potential abuse, irregular decisions, and inadequate oversight.

These issues prompted the seventh administration, committed to ethical leadership and accountability, to ensure thorough investigations.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae believes that public trust in government can be restored when allegations of maladministration are transparently investigated, and corrective measures are implemented where misconduct is found.

To prevent a recurrence of these issues, the provincial government has recognised the need for improved governance systems and more transparent bursary allocation processes.

One such initiative was the public advertisement of the bursary application process.

Previously, bursary allocations were primarily based on nominations by political office-bearers and departmental heads.

While this process aimed to identify deserving candidates, it inadvertently excluded many young people without access to these nomination channels.

“Since taking office, we have implemented reforms to enhance oversight, strengthen compliance, and ensure fairness in the programme's administration. These reforms aim to eliminate abuse of opportunities while ensuring that deserving young individuals receive the support needed to pursue their studies.

Currently, bursary opportunities are publicly advertised, providing all eligible young people in the Free State with an equal chance to apply and compete based on merit.

This has improved transparency and expanded access to educational opportunities for many deserving students,” Premier Letsoha-Mathae stated.