Ramaphosa signs new SIU proclamation to probe Buffalo City and Gauteng housing tenders
The Special Investigating Unit will examine six Buffalo City projects and expand an existing Gauteng human settlements investigation, with conduct covered from 2016 and 2017 respectively.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a new proclamation and an amendment authorising the Special Investigating Unit to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
The SIU is mandated to investigate the allegations, identify any financial losses suffered by the State or affected institutions, and, where appropriate, take steps to recover such losses.
Proclamation 350 of 2026 directs the SIU to investigate six projects in the affairs of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency (BCMDA).
The investigation will focus on the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services relating to the Mdantsane NU2 Swimming Pool Project, the appointment of First New Generation Trading (Pty) Ltd for the demolition of existing walls, the appointment of Lefito Trading, trading as Kuyasa Electrical Contractors, for the removal of the Donkin wall and palisade installation, consulting engineer services for the Water World Project, and the main contractor for the Water World Project.
The SIU will investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by employees of the municipality and BCMDA, and the unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property.
The investigation will also examine any unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive act, transaction, measure or practice involving State property, as well as any intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property.
The SIU will further investigate payments made in connection with the above matters where such payments were not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective, or were contrary to applicable legislation.
The proclamation covers conduct that took place from 1 January 2016 to 18 September 2026.
President Ramaphosa has also amended Proclamation 181 of 2024, which mandates the SIU to investigate allegations relating to two tenders in the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
The investigation relates to the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services for 150 ablution and sanitation infrastructure and facilities at Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement: Phase 1 and Evaton, and 180 walk-up units at Sicelo Shiceka Extension 5.
The amendment expands the scope of the investigation to include 100 ablution and sanitation infrastructure and facilities at Bekkersdal.
It also extends the period covered by the investigation to include allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 April 2017 and 18 September 2026.
In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for consideration and further action.
The SIU is also authorised under the SIU Act to institute civil proceedings in the High Court or the Special Tribunal in its own name to recover losses or address wrongdoing arising from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.
Enquiries: Selby Makgotho, Spokesperson: Special Investigating Unit, Cell: 083 718 6128, E-mail: SIUMedia@siu.org.za
Source: South African Government, Special Investigating Unit on proclamation and an amendment for Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Gauteng
