Yasmin Bilal
Several public sector projects and contracts will come under scrutiny after President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) new powers to investigate possible wrongdoing.
The probes stretch across the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
They involve a school construction project, road works, municipal security services and a water treatment project.
In the Northern Cape, the SIU will examine the procurement linked to the new Kuruman Secondary School in Wrenchville/Kalahari.
The unit will look at how the contract was awarded and whether the process complied with procurement requirements.
It will also investigate whether any irregular expenditure occurred.
The probe covers alleged misconduct between 8 December 2016 and 7 August 2026. Conduct outside that period can also be examined if it is connected to the same people, companies or contracts.
The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works is also facing scrutiny.
The SIU will investigate the rehabilitation of road MR938 between Hotazel and Kathu. The project was awarded under Tender DRPW 039/2017.
The investigation follows allegations of maladministration, irregular procurement and wasteful expenditure.
Officials, service providers and other parties linked to the project may form part of the investigation.
Attention will also turn to Knysna Local Municipality in the Western Cape.
The SIU will investigate Tender T25 of 2023/2024 for physical security services.
The probe will examine allegations surrounding the procurement process and the conduct of officials and suppliers. Possible financial losses linked to the tender will also be investigated.
The investigation covers the period from 8 December 2017 to 7 August 2026. Earlier or later conduct may be considered where it relates to the same parties or contracts.
At Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, the SIU’s existing investigation has been expanded.
The amendment relates to the appointment of the Chris Hani Co-operative Development Centre NPC. It also covers procurement under Tender No. 33/2015/MD.
That tender concerns the Cluster 9 Backlog Eradication project, including the Tsomo Water Treatment and River Abstraction Works.
The investigation period has been extended from 1 January 2016 to 7 August 2026.
The SIU requested the extension after its work identified additional areas that were not covered by the existing proclamation.
The unit’s mandate goes beyond tracing individual acts of wrongdoing.
It will also look at weaknesses in systems and controls that may have allowed irregularities to occur. Recommendations can then be made to prevent similar problems.
If evidence of criminal conduct emerges, the SIU will refer it to the National Prosecuting Authority for consideration.
The unit can also pursue civil recovery through the High Court or a Special Tribunal where financial losses or other wrongdoing are established.