Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – Details of the R10.7 million heist at Free State Education show impunity of the highest order.
This follows a series of articles in relation to the department spending over R10.7 million for the events:
- Women’s Month celebrations in 2023.
STEPUPSANEWS can confirm, the approval of the virement was granted retrospectively, on the 24 August 2023, a week after the first of three event had already taken place which raises procurement questions.
The events were held in the 19, 25 and 31 August.
According to a submission in possession of this publication the document was signed by ET Montsho, Program Manager: Program 7: Examination and Education Related Services on the 23 April 2023, with the below notes:
“Finance to consider reimbursing an estimated amount of R2 million back after adjustment process.
This exercise will assist in the conduct of internal exams.”
Exactly for months later (24 August 2023), the submission was signed by JM Ledibane, acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
On the same day, Advocate Humphrey Malakoane, Head of Department also signed with the below notes:
“On condition that all SCM prescripts are complied with in line with section 217 of the constituent and section 38 of the PFMA.”
A total of R6,1 million was moved to Office of the MEC which was the shortfall was as follows:
- Public Ordinary School – R2.1 million
- Examinations and Education – R 4 million
The total amount spent on these three events is R10 769.241,44.
It was Dr Roy Jankielsohn, leader of Democratic Alliance (DA) who asked Makalo Mohale, former MEC of Education about the costs.
The appointed companies quoted just under a million per device which shows there might have been collusion.
The Hawks could not confirm nor deny any investigation into this.
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The spelling errors on your article are shocking.