President Cyril Ramaphosa has expanded the Special Investigating Unit's (SIU) probe into the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. The investigation now covers additional tenders, contracts, and road projects amid allegations of corruption and maladministration. This follows Ramaphosa's signing of Proclamation 351 of 2026, which amends Proclamation 156 of 2024. The SIU will scrutinize procurement and contracting processes for fairness, competitiveness, transparency, equity, and cost-effectiveness.
The original investigation, authorized by Proclamation 156 of 2024, focused on four bridge projects in the province. The expanded investigation includes the upgrade of Main Road P361, District Road D871, and District Road D1290 in the Uthukela District. Contract Number ZNB01067/00000/00/HOD/INF/21/T and the provision of subsidized public transport passenger services under Tender ZNB 2278/24T are also under scrutiny. Variation orders related to contracts ZNQ 4197 and ZNQ 4198, and the extension of Contract ZNB 136/17T, will be investigated.
The SIU spokesperson, Selby Makgotho, stated that the investigation covers payments made in relation to these contracts where procurement or contracting processes were not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective. The probe also examines procurement that contravened applicable legislation, Treasury prescripts, or departmental policies and procedures. This may have resulted in unauthorized, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
The expanded investigation extends the period covered by the probe to September 25, 2026. This allows the SIU to investigate relevant conduct falling within the expanded mandate up to this date. The original investigation covered allegations of unlawful or improper conduct between June 1, 2016, and February 23, 2024. The SIU can also investigate subsequent conduct that is relevant to, connected with, or incidental to the matters under investigation.
The four bridge projects initially under investigation are the Mngwenya River Bridge on D385, Umlalazi River Bridge Number 3782 on D1551, Mhlathuze Bridge Number 3837 on D2238, and Phethu River Bridge Number 3526. The SIU has the power to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption and pursue civil action where its investigations establish grounds to do so.
In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU is empowered to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption. The SIU can institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal and recover financial losses suffered by the State. This enables the SIU to take action against those responsible for any maladministration or corruption.
The expansion of the SIU investigation into the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport demonstrates the government's efforts to address allegations of corruption and maladministration. The investigation will help to uncover any irregularities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The SIU's work will also help to prevent similar incidents of maladministration and corruption in the future.
Key points
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has expanded the SIU investigation into the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport to cover additional tenders, contracts, and road projects.
- The investigation now includes the upgrade of Main Road P361, District Road D871, and District Road D1290 in the Uthukela District.
- The SIU has the power to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption and pursue civil action where its investigations establish grounds to do so.
