/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands that MEC for the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), Matome Chiloane, must launch an immediate investigation into the serious allegations of student bursary fraud and corruption involving senior department officials.

This follows reports that a group of anonymous department employees accused their Head of Department, Rufus Mmutlana, and Head of Human Resources, Kgabo Morifi, of running an elaborate scheme to coerce junior administrators into diverting payments and stipends intended for students funded by the department's bursary scheme, the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA).

See one of the reports here.

The staff members are reported to have written a letter to the Hawks to initiate a probe into the matter. In the letter, the two officials are accused of using their power to pressure personnel into changing, altering, and tampering with the names and identity numbers of deserving students and replacing them with people connected or related to the duo.

These claims are concerning because they question the integrity of the GCRA bursary system, designed to empower our youth while ensuring that financial aid reaches those who genuinely need it in our province. Additionally, the accusations point to severe mismanagement and possible misuse of funding designated for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

More worrying is the alleged intimidation tactics employed against whistleblowers who have bravely come forward to expose these corrupt practices. This culture of fear must be dismantled to ensure transparency and accountability within our education system.

Furthermore, the GCRA has been plagued with numerous challenges ranging from mismanagement of funds to corruption and maladministration. In the previous annual report, the Auditor General (AG) recommended that the accounting officer open a case against the CEO, who was implicated in the tender fraud, corruption, and maladministration of supply chain management procedures. These AG recommendations were ignored.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that MEC Chiloane launch an immediate and thorough investigation into these claims and all of GCRA's operations. If it is found during this investigation that anyone has unlawfully benefited from the GCRA bursary scheme, the money must be recovered, and all personnel implicated should face disciplinary action. Additionally, a criminal investigation should be initiated. In addition, we demand that the MEC implement the AG recommendations.

Should MEC Chiloane fail to act decisively, the DA will pursue all avenues to ensure proper accountability measures are enforced in this department.

The DA will continue to push for zero-tolerance against corruption and fraud as we work towards a more transparent and accountable government.

Issued by Sergio Isa Dos Santos MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education