SIU to widen probe into Water and Sanitation Dept

By Levy Masiteng 

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has expanded an investigation into alleged corruption in the government’s “War on Leaks” programme, extending the scope to cover Lepelle Northern Water, it was announced this week.  

Proclamation 287 of 2025 authorises the SIU to broaden its probe into the “Drop the Block” project, part of the water-saving initiative. The inquiry had previously focused only on the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Sedibeng Water.

The amended proclamation allows the SIU to examine Lepelle Northern Water, Sedibeng Water and any suppliers or service providers appointed by them. It also extends the timeframe of the investigation to cover activities between January 2015 and September 2025.

The “War on Leaks” programme was launched in 2015 under then president Jacob Zuma, and implemented under then water minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, with the goal of training 15,000 unemployed youth as artisans, plumbers and water agents,