By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration within the Northern Cape Economic Development,Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA).
The investigation, under Proclamation R151 of 2024, will focus on seven specific contracts and unauthorized salary adjustments dating back to March 2012.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explained that the unit will probe allegations of corruption related to at least seven contracts and “serious maladministration of salary adjustments… that were not duly authorised”.
The seven contracts in question are for the procurement of legal services; event organising and management services; consultancy services; security services; services relating to the Riemvasmaak Tourism Master Plan; catering services, and an audio-visual system.
“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by NCEDA or the State. The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of NCEDA, the applicable suppliers or service providers or any other person or entity.
“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,” he said.
The investigation is expected to cover a time period between 1 March 2012 and February 2024, and may lead to referrals for criminal prosecution.
“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 civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” Kganyago said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the SIU’s investigation, saying it is long overdue. The opposition party has previously criticized the provincial government for misusing taxpayer money and presenting a false image of economic progress.
“The NCEDA has been a cesspool of corruption and maladministration for years, and it is high time that those responsible are held accountable,” said Andrew Louw, the DA’s spokesperson for economic development in the Northern Cape. “We hope that the SIU’s investigation will shed light on the extent of the rot and lead to the recovery of any stolen funds.”
Louw added that the DA would monitor the investigation closely and ensure that it is conducted fairly and transparently. “We will not allow this investigation to be swept under the carpet or used for political point-scoring,” he said. “The people of the Northern Cape deserve to know the truth, and we will do everything in our power to make sure they get it.”
The SIU’s investigation is expected to take several months, and its findings will be presented to Ramaphosa and the National Assembly.