 to investigate allegations of serious maladministration at the IFP-led uMzinyathi District Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal.){kind=link}
By Levy Masiteng
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration at the IFP-led uMzinyathi District Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the SIU, the proclamation empowers the unit to investigate matters relating to procurement and contracting, including the supply, installation, and maintenance of ground dual static tanks and fuel, as well as the lease and subsequent purchase of a generator for the Vants Drift Water Treatment Plant in Nquthu.
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Signed last week, the proclamation instructs the SIU to investigate whether the contracts and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective, and whether there were any breaches of legislation, National Treasury regulations or the municipality’s own policies.
“The probe covers allegations that took place between 1 March 2020 and 21 November 2025, and any conduct before or after this period relevant to the investigation,” SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.
Last year, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) also raised concerns about governance and financial management challenges within the municipality.
Cogta had warned that weaknesses in supply chain management and oversight posed a risk to service delivery and the safeguarding of public funds, particularly in critical infrastructure projects such as water provision.
At the time, the department stressed that any allegations of wrongdoing required urgent investigation.
“Where there are indications of maladministration or misuse of public resources, these matters must be fully investigated and those responsible held to account,” Cogta had said.
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“The SIU is mandated to uncover the truth behind these allegations and to ensure accountability where public funds may have been misused,” Kganyago said.
In addition to possible criminal referrals, the SIU is authorised to institute civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services that were not rendered.
“Should evidence of criminal conduct be identified, such matters will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” Kganyago said.
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