President Authorizes SIU Investigation into O.R. Tambo Municipality

The proclamation aims to recover any financial losses incurred by the State or the municipality.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 172 of 2024, authorizing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate serious allegations of maladministration within the O.R. Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The proclamation aims to recover any financial losses incurred by the State or the municipality.

The SIU has been empowered to probe the procurement and management of five water supply projects, including:

Signal Hill Reservoir: Investigation into the appointment of the Amatola Water Board in 2019 and an irregular payment made in 2020.

Manduli Bulk Water Scheme: Examination of the appointment of Ginasonke Engineers and the irregular payment made in 2019.

Mganduli Bulk Water Scheme: Investigation into Khwalo's Construction and the irregular payment made in 2019.

Mhlontlo Cluster 1 Pump Installation: Review of the appointment of Valotone 94 CC and Phoenix Tanks (Pty) Ltd and the irregular payments made in 2019.

Mthatha Dam Electrification & Thornbill Clear Water Pump Station: Probe into alleged irregularities regarding payments made to Amatola for projects in 2018 and 2019.

The scope of the investigation includes unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditures by the department or the State. The SIU will also assess any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials, suppliers, or other involved parties, especially where it has caused harm to public interests.

The proclamation covers unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between January 1, 2018, and August 16, 2024, and any relevant conduct before or after these dates that is connected to the investigation. The SIU is also tasked with identifying system failures and making recommendations to prevent future financial losses.

In accordance with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigation will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. The SIU is also authorized to initiate civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to address wrongdoing related to corruption, fraud, or maladministration.