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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A Call for Transparency and Accountability in the Free State Department of Education
Recent information emerging from public discussions, media reports, and official communications regarding changes to the Free State finishing school system has raised concerns among affected communities, young people, educators, employees, and other stakeholders.
While the changes have been described as a restructuring or transition, the reality is that the closure or phasing out of established finishing schools has affected many lives. These institutions provided second-chance educational opportunities for young people while also creating employment and professional pathways for educators and support staff.
These concerns come at a time when questions have been raised publicly about governance, accountability, and procurement practices within the Free State Department of Education, including reports regarding the awarding of service provider contracts through Requests for Quotations (RFQs) instead of open tender processes, as well as calls from communities for greater transparency and accountability.
Public institutions responsible for education must maintain the trust of learners, parents, communities, and employees. Decisions involving educational programmes, public funds, and the livelihoods of people must be handled with openness, fairness, and proper consultation.
We therefore call for:
– transparency regarding the decisions and processes that led to changes affecting finishing schools;
– meaningful engagement with affected communities, youth, educators, and employees;
– accountability and transparency in the management of public resources;
– proper consideration of the educational, social, and economic impact of decisions affecting communities;
– fair and humane treatment of all individuals affected by these changes.
Educational reform should strengthen communities, protect opportunities for young people, and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly while treating all affected persons with dignity, fairness, and respect.