President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 344 of 2026, authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, corruption, irregular expenditure, and unlawful or improper loss of public funds at the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and to recover any losses incurred by the State or the department.
The investigation will focus on the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services by or on behalf of the department in relation to the following tenders:
- Upgrading of Road DR08125 from the N2 to Sipetu Hospital (Phase 1) =10km
- Urgent Re-Gravelling of DR 18033 and DR08288
- Emergency Preparation of Road, Platform and Parking for the former Gauteng Economic Development MEC Nkosiphendule Kolisile’s Funeral
- Emergency gravelling on DR08076 for Flood damage repairs to gravel roads in the Elundini LMA – 08076.
- Appointment of a Service Provider(s) to Provide Security Services for Head Office Clusters for a Period of 36 Months.
The SIU will investigate whether the procurement process, contracting and related payments were conducted in a manner that was unfair, non-competitive, non-transparent, inequitable or not costeffective; contrary to applicable legislation; or inconsistent with manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, as well as the department’s own policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices.
The investigation will further determine whether the contract was tainted by improper or unlawful conduct by officials, employees or agents of the department, service providers, or any other person or entity, with the intention of corruptly or unduly benefiting themselves or another person or entity.
The SIU will also investigate allegations of fraud and any related unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State.
The investigation will cover the period from 1 January 2021 to 09 September 2026, the date on which the Proclamation was published.
In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996), the SIU is empowered to investigate the allegations, institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or High Court and take appropriate steps to recover financial losses suffered by the State.
The SIU Act further empowers the Unit to institute civil proceedings in its own name before the Special Tribunal or High Court to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation arising from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.
Enquiries:
Selby Makgotho
Spokesperson: Special Investigating Unit
Cell: 083 718 6128
SIUMedia@siu.org.za