President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued Proclamation 259 of 2025, authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and unlawful conduct within the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.
The proclamation empowers the SIU to recover state losses and take action against implicated individuals or entities.
The focus of the investigation will be on the procurement and contracting for the Lillydale Phase 1 project, specifically Contract No. BLM R119, which involves paving internal streets within the municipality
According to SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, the SIU aims to address allegations regarding the fairness, competitiveness, transparency, equity, and cost-effectiveness of the procurement process, examining whether it has violated any applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, or municipal policies.
“Additionally, the investigation will scrutinise any instances of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure connected to this project,” said Kganyago.
“The investigation will also examine improper conduct by municipal officials, employees, suppliers, or service providers and determine whether such conduct resulted in financial losses for the municipality or the state.”
Kganyago said the proclamation covers conduct occurring between 1 January 2018 and 16 May 2025, as well as any related activities before or after this period that are connected to the matters under investigation.
“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 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.”
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