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04/06/2026

02/06/2026

PREMIER LETSOHA MATHAE WELCOMES SIU INVESTIGATION
INTO THE FREE STATE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT BURSARY
PROGRAM

Premier of the Free State province Hon. Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has noted and welcomed the findings by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the bursary programme in the Office of the Premier.

The investigation by the SIU, under proclamation 123 of 2023, 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.

Premier 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 seventh administration, which is committed to ethical leadership and accountability, recognised the need for these matters to be thoroughly investigated.

Premier 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.

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,” Premier Letsoha-Mathae said.
For further media enquiries contact:
Matshediso Setai

02/06/2026

SIU TO RELEASE FINDINGS ON FREE STATE BURSARY SCHEME INVESTIGATION

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to brief the media on the outcome of its investigation into the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Scheme, which was established to assist financially disadvantaged students in accessing higher education in scarce skills fields.

The investigation, conducted under Proclamation 123 of 2023, examined allegations of maladministration and irregular expenditure linked to bursary payments, including travel, accommodation, and student stipends that may have been paid contrary to policy.

The probe also investigated student accommodation payments, unauthorised and wasteful expenditure, as well as the role of officials and other parties involved in any unlawful conduct. In addition, the SIU reviewed suspense account funds held by higher education institutions and facilitated repayments where funds were found to be owing to the Office of the Premier.

Acting SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho will lead the briefing, joined virtually by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha Mathae and Director-General Dr Molefinyana Phera.

The release of the report marks a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency, and good governance in the administration of student bursaries in the Free State.

02/06/2026

SIU TO PROVIDE UPDATE ON FREE STATE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT BURSARY SCHEME.

01/06/2026

𝐅𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓 | 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝟏 𝐄𝐏 𝟏

Real Talk with Tshidiso Thinane is a business & political podcast provide essential analysis on local and national economy, government policies, and financial markets intersect. The gap between microeconomics trends and everyday life, offering deep dives into corporate leadership, geopolitics conflicts, interest rates, and regulatory that shape modern world.

29/05/2026

Explosion Rocks Woolworths Stores as Police Launch Investigation

South African police are investigating a series of explosions that have targeted Woolworths stores in Pretoria and Bloemfontein within the past 48 hours.

The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning at the Woolworths store in Preller Square Shopping Centre, Bloemfontein. Emergency services responded swiftly and no injuries were reported. The incident follows a similar explosion at the Woolworths store in Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria on Thursday.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), an explosive device detonated inside the Menlyn store at approximately 01:00 while staff members were working nearby. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although shelves and merchandise were damaged. Specialized SAPS units, including the Bomb Disposal Unit, were deployed to investigate the scene.

Woolworths has confirmed that it is working closely with law enforcement agencies and has increased security measures across its stores nationwide following the incidents. The motive behind the explosions remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to the police as efforts continue to determine who is responsible for the attacks.

29/05/2026

SANDF Commemoration is about to start at Die Brug Military Base on the outskirts of Bloemfontein.

Brigadier General Thabo Masweu

27/05/2026

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA RALLIES THE NATION BEHIND BAFANA BAFANA

President Cyril Ramaphosa this evening leads South Africa in officially rallying behind Bafana Bafana ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The special send-off dinner marks a major moment for South African football as Head Coach Hugo Broos unveils the final 26 man squad set to represent the nation on the biggest stage in world football.

From the streets of kasi to packed stadiums across the country, South Africans are standing united behind the boys in green and gold as they prepare to carry the hopes of millions with pride, passion and determination.

This is more than football it’s national pride. 🇿🇦

Good luck, Bafana Bafana! The whole country is behind you.

📸GCIS