The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigated the external bursary scheme run by the Free State Office of the Premier and found R8.3 million in irregular spending. Among the findings: a bursary paid out in respect of a student who had died, awards to seven foreign nationals, and a pattern the SIU characterised as "cash for relatives."

As of June 2026 the SIU had recovered R6.3 million and made 38 disciplinary referrals and 7 referrals to the NPA. The scheme was meant to fund needy Free State students; instead a substantial portion was diverted.