President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of maladministration and irregular procurement at the Siyathemba Local Municipality in the Northern Cape. The investigation focuses on the purchase of printers, photocopy machines, and related equipment, amid claims of financial misconduct and poor governance.
The authorisation, issued under Proclamation 295 of 2025, empowers the SIU to investigate serious maladministration and possible corruption linked to the procurement process. The unit will also attempt to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
According to the proclamation, the investigation will focus on the period between 1 January 2016 and 31 October 2025. However, it will also cover earlier and later transactions if they are connected to the same officials, companies, or contracts under scrutiny.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the unit’s mandate includes investigating whether the procurement of goods and services was done in a manner that complied with the law. “The SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the State,” he said. Kganyago added that the investigation would also probe any irregular or improper conduct by municipal officials, service providers, or other implicated parties.
Siyathemba Local Municipality, which forms part of the Pixley ka Seme District in the Northern Cape, has faced serious financial management and governance challenges over the years. The municipality serves the towns of Prieska, Marydale, and Niekerkshoop and has been flagged by the Auditor-General in previous reports for poor financial controls, non-compliance with supply chain management laws, and irregular expenditure.
The 2022–2023 Auditor-General’s report found that nearly half of Northern Cape municipalities were in financial distress, with many unable to pay creditors or deliver basic services. Siyathemba was among those identified for weak internal controls and governance failures.
The SIU’s investigation forms part of the broader government effort to strengthen accountability and root out corruption in local government, where billions of rands are lost annually through irregular and wasteful expenditure.
The investigation will determine whether procurement decisions at Siyathemba were influenced by fraud, corruption, or negligence, and whether service providers colluded with municipal officials for personal gain. The SIU will also look into the role of political office bearers if evidence links them to irregular conduct.
In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any criminal evidence uncovered to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for possible prosecution. It may also initiate civil litigation in the High Court or the Special Tribunal to recover public funds lost through corruption or maladministration.
Beyond uncovering wrongdoing, the SIU said it aims to identify systemic failures that enable corruption to persist in local government. “The unit is committed to protecting public assets by recommending reforms to prevent future financial losses,” Kganyago said.
The SIU has been instrumental in exposing corruption across various government entities. In recent years, it has recovered more than R8 billion through civil litigation and settlement agreements, including funds linked to COVID-19 procurement fraud, municipal contracts, and infrastructure projects.
This latest investigation into Siyathemba comes as the national government intensifies its focus on clean governance and financial accountability in municipalities. Many local governments across South Africa continue to struggle with audit disclaimers, service delivery protests, and allegations of mismanagement.
The SIU’s findings in the Siyathemba case are expected to shed more light on procurement practices in smaller municipalities and help shape national anti-corruption measures going forward.
Investigations are expected to begin immediately.
