President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 287 of 2025, which amends Proclamation No. R. 164 of 2024 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the Department of Water and Sanitation and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State or the Department.

Proclamation 287 of 2025 expands the scope of the SIU’s investigation to include the “Drop the Block” Project and its implementation by the Department and its implementing agents, which are Lepelle Northern Water and Sedibeng Water. This also encompasses any suppliers or service providers appointed by the Department, Lepelle Northern Water, and Sedibeng Water for the “Drop the Block” Project. Initially, the investigation was limited to the Department and Sedibeng Water only.

The amendment also extends the time frame of the investigation, which will now start from 1 January 2015 and end on 12 September 2025.

The SIU will continue to investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State. The scope of the investigation also encompasses any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, as well as applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity that has caused or may cause serious harm to the public’s interests. Furthermore, the investigation will also establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money.

In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to rectify any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation that is caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

Enquiries:
Kaizer Kganyago
Spokesperson for the Special Investigating Unit
Tel: 012 843 0048 / Mobile: 082 306 8888
Email: KKganyago@siu.org.za