The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has issued a formal call for full accountability regarding the unlawful funding of foreign nationals through the Free State Office of the Premier bursary scheme.
Findings of the investigation
According to ATM statement released on Tuesday, investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that seven foreign nationals received bursary funding from the programme. While six of these beneficiaries were funded based on academic merit, the investigation determined that no approval was granted to deviate from the bursary policy, which expressly restricts eligibility to South African citizens residing in the Free State Province. As a result, R576 734.48 in public funds was expended in direct contravention of the approved policy framework.
Impact on South African students
The ATM described these findings as deeply disturbing, noting that the incident occurred while thousands of deserving South African students from impoverished communities are denied opportunities due to financial constraints.
The party highlighted that government officials entrusted with administering public resources chose to disregard established policy and unlawfully allocate funds to individuals who did not qualify under the programme's requirements.
Demands for accountability
The ATM insists that accountability must not stop at the institutional level and demands that every official involved in this irregular expenditure be identified and held personally accountable. The party requires that the Accounting Officer of the Office of the Premier, who is responsible for overall governance and compliance, face the consequences of these actions. All officials within the bursary administration unit who processed and recommended the applications despite the applicants not meeting policy requirements must also be held accountable.
Furthermore, the party demands action against the officials who verified and approved beneficiary eligibility. Any managers or senior managers who authorised or signed off on the bursary awards, as well as members of any bursary adjudication, evaluation, or selection committees involved in the approval process, must also face consequences.
Additionally, the party seeks accountability for officials responsible for compliance, internal controls, and oversight who failed to prevent the unlawful expenditure. Finally, any executive authority or political office-bearer found to have directed, influenced, or approved deviations from policy without lawful authority must be held responsible.
Call for legal action
The ATM is calling for the immediate recovery of all funds where legally possible, the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against implicated officials, and the referral of any evidence of misconduct, fraud, or gross negligence to the relevant law-enforcement authorities. The party stated that it will continue to monitor this matter closely, emphasising that accountability must end with consequences rather than just a report.