Siyathemba municipality under SIU scrutiny

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a new proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration in the Siyathemba Local Municipality in the Northern Cape. The probe will focus on the procurement of printers, photocopy machines, and other related equipment.

The authorisation, issued under Proclamation 295 of 2025, empowers the SIU to investigate serious maladministration, possible corruption, and financial misconduct in the municipality’s procurement processes. The SIU will also seek to recover any losses suffered by the State as a result of the alleged irregularities.

According to the proclamation, the investigation will cover activities between 1 January 2016 and 31 October 2025. It will also extend to any related incidents that occurred before or after this period if they are linked to the same contracts, individuals, or companies involved.

The SIU’s mandate includes probing whether goods and services were procured in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective. It will also examine whether municipal officials or employees acted unlawfully or improperly in the procurement process.

“The SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the State,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago. He added that the unit would also look into any conduct that violated applicable legislation, guidelines, or treasury instructions at both national and provincial levels.

The investigation is part of ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen accountability and curb corruption in municipalities across the country. In recent years, the SIU has been given increasing authority to investigate financial misconduct and maladministration in local government structures.

The Siyathemba Local Municipality, located in the Pixley ka Seme District, has faced a series of governance and financial management challenges in the past. Auditor-General reports have consistently flagged irregular expenditure and poor internal controls within several Northern Cape municipalities, including Siyathemba.

The SIU said its investigation aims not only to uncover wrongdoing but also to identify systemic weaknesses that allow corruption and maladministration to persist. “Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses,” said Kganyago.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. The unit is also authorised to bring civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to recover financial losses caused by corruption or maladministration.

Kganyago said the SIU has successfully recovered billions of rand in previous investigations through civil litigation and the Special Tribunal. Its recent investigations have covered a range of issues, including procurement irregularities in government departments, municipalities, and state-owned entities.

This latest proclamation adds to the growing list of municipalities under SIU scrutiny, as the government intensifies its focus on cleaning up local governance.

Investigations are expected to begin immediately, and the SIU has assured the public that it will conduct a thorough and transparent probe to ensure accountability and the protection of public funds.