The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to investigate five tenders awarded by the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising a probe into allegations of corruption, maladministration and the improper use of public funds.

The investigation follows the signing of Proclamation 344 of 2026 by Ramaphosa, giving the SIU powers to investigate the procurement and contracting processes linked to five projects and to recover any financial losses suffered by the department or the state.

The probe will cover the period from January 1 2021 to September 9 2026, when the proclamation was published.

Among the projects under investigation is the upgrading of Road DR08125 from the N2 to Sipetu Hospital, covering a 10km stretch.

The SIU will also investigate the urgent regravelling of roads DR18033 and DR08288, as well as emergency preparations involving a road, platform and parking facilities for the funeral of former Gauteng Economic Development MEC Nkosiphendule Kolisile.

A fourth tender concerns emergency gravelling on Road DR08076 for flood damage repairs to gravel roads in the Elundini Local Municipal Area.

The fifth relates to the appointment of service providers to provide security services for head office clusters for a period of 36 months.

According to the SIU, investigators will examine whether the procurement processes, contracts and payments associated with the tenders were conducted fairly, competitively, transparently and in a cost effective manner.

The investigation will determine whether the awarding and administration of the tenders complied with applicable legislation and Treasury requirements.

It will also assess whether officials followed manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars and instructions issued by National Treasury or the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury.

The department’s own policies, procedures and internal prescripts will also come under scrutiny.

The SIU said the investigation would go beyond the procurement processes to determine whether any contracts were tainted by improper or unlawful conduct involving officials, employees or agents of the department.

Service providers and other individuals or entities involved in the tenders may also come under the spotlight.

Investigators will establish whether any person acted with the intention of corruptly or unduly benefiting themselves or another individual or entity.

The SIU will further investigate allegations of fraud and determine whether the department or the state incurred unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure in connection with the contracts.

The investigation comes as the SIU continues to use its statutory powers to scrutinise government procurement processes and recover money allegedly lost through corruption, fraud and maladministration.

Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996, the SIU is empowered to investigate serious allegations of wrongdoing involving state institutions.

Where evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered, the unit can institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or High Court.

The SIU can also take steps to recover financial losses suffered by the state as a result of corruption, fraud or maladministration.

The proclamation therefore gives investigators a broad mandate to establish whether public funds were properly spent on the five Eastern Cape projects and whether any individuals or companies unlawfully benefited from the contracts.

The outcome of the investigation could also lead to civil recovery proceedings against individuals or entities found to have caused financial losses to the state.

The SIU said the investigation was part of its broader mandate to protect public assets and the public interest through investigations and preventative measures aimed at combating fraud, maladministration and corruption.

SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the unit would proceed with the investigation in terms of the powers granted by the proclamation.

The investigation is expected to scrutinise documentation relating to the tenders, including procurement processes, contracts, payments and the conduct of officials and service providers involved in the projects.

The SIU’s findings will determine whether there was any wrongdoing and what remedial or recovery action should follow.