ATM demands accountability over Free State bursaries awarded to foreign nationals

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for full accountability following findings by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that foreign nationals received funding through the Free State Office of the Premier's bursary scheme despite not meeting eligibility requirements.

On Tuesday, the SIU briefed the public on the outcomes of its investigation into the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Scheme administered by the Office of the Premier. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to disadvantaged students from across the Free State.

According to the SIU investigation, seven foreign nationals benefited from the programme, with six receiving bursaries based on academic merit as top achievers. However, the investigation found that no approval was granted to deviate from the bursary policy, which limits eligibility to South African citizens residing in the Free State.

As a result, public funds amounting to R576,734.48 were spent in contravention of the approved policy framework.

In a statement, the ATM said the findings were deeply concerning, particularly at a time when many South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds struggle to access higher education due to financial constraints.

The party argued that officials entrusted with managing public resources ignored established policies and allocated funds to individuals who did not qualify under the programme's rules.

The ATM is demanding that all officials involved in recommending, processing, approving and overseeing the bursary awards be identified and held personally accountable.

The party said accountability should extend beyond the institution and include officials responsible for governance, compliance, beneficiary verification, bursary administration and internal oversight mechanisms.

It also called for disciplinary action against implicated officials and urged authorities to recover the funds where legally possible.

Furthermore, the ATM wants any evidence of misconduct, fraud, gross negligence or corruption to be referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The party warned that failure to act against those responsible would send a message that public officials can violate policies without consequence while South African citizens compete for limited educational opportunities.

The ATM said it will continue monitoring the matter and insists that accountability must result in tangible consequences for those found responsible.