The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is seeking to recover R8.3 million lost to systemic corruption within the Free State government's bursary scheme between 2017 and 2023. The probe, covering administrations under former premiers Ace Magashule and Sisi Ntombela, uncovered irregular awards to undeserving individuals, including foreigners and a deceased student who received R34,000. Officials are accused of approving bursaries negligently, disregarding eligibility criteria, and improperly extending contracts, with allegations that former premier Ntombela and Magashule’s former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, may have benefited. The SIU has recovered R6.3 million from seven universities and obtained acknowledgments of debt totaling R1.9 million from individuals who received undue benefits, while also making 38 disciplinary referrals and referring seven individuals for potential criminal prosecution.