Ramaphosa signs proclamation for SIU probe into Buffalo City metro contracts
The unit will examine six contracts at the Eastern Cape municipality and an expanded Gauteng human settlements investigation covering conduct up to September 2026.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit to probe allegations of serious maladministration and corruption in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
The investigation covers six contracts, according to the unit. They concern 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, and the appointment of Lefito Trading, trading as Kuyasa Electrical Contractors, for the removal of the Donkin wall and palisade installation.
The remaining three are consulting engineer services for the Water World Project and the main contractor for the Water World Project.
The SIU said it will investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by employees of the municipality and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency, and the unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property.
Its scope also covers any unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive act, transaction, measure or practice involving state property, and any intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property.
Payments connected to those matters will be examined where they were not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective, or were contrary to applicable legislation, the unit said.
Gauteng human settlements probe widened
Ramaphosa has also signed an amendment to a proclamation authorising the unit to investigate two tenders of the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
That investigation relates to two tenders for ablution and sanitation infrastructure as well as walk units at the Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement.
The amendment expands the scope to include 100 ablution and sanitation infrastructure and facilities at Bekkersdal. It also extends the period covered to include allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 April 2017 and 18 September 2026.
Any criminal conduct uncovered by either investigation will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for consideration.
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.
Source: SAnews (South African Government News Agency), SIU to probe Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality corruption allegations
