The findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) regarding irregularities in the Free State government’s bursary scheme demonstrate just how deeply entrenched corruption and fraud are in the province.
This is just another instalment in a series of scandals that played out under ANC rule in the Free State.
Truth be told, the ANC is accused number one in this matter. If the Auditor-General (AG) had not identified the irregularities and referred the matter for investigation, it is unlikely that any action would have been taken.
The Freedom Front Plus welcomes the SIU’s transparent and thorough investigation. Its findings indicated, among other things, that bursaries were awarded to relatives of officials without following prescribed procedures, that ineligible individuals and foreign nationals received bursaries, and that certain students received funding for longer than the permitted period.
The SIU also uncovered more than R8,3 million in irregular expenditure as well as serious shortcomings in the scheme’s administration.
The investigation has already resulted in 38 referrals for disciplinary action against officials and the possible criminal prosecution of seven individuals.
The sudden endorsement of the SIU’s findings by the Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, is too little, too late. She cannot pretend to be an advocate for sound governance now, seeing as these irregularities occurred over a number of years under ANC rule.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep a close eye on the next steps to ensure that appropriate action is taken against the guilty parties and that the funds are recovered.
After 30 years of ANC rule, one scandal after another continues to come to light. Meanwhile, South Africans endure poor service delivery because corruption and cadre deployment are more important to the ANC than promoting the people’s interests.
It is time for the Free State to break free from the ANC’s stranglehold and oust corrupt cadres from positions of power.
FF+ Manifesto on Good governance: Ensuring effective and efficient governance.
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