The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has launched a probe into alleged maladministration and mismanagement at Siyathemba Municipality in the Northern Cape. The investigation aims to uncover irregularities in financial management, service delivery, and governance, as concerns grow over the municipality’s accountability and operational practices.
This follows a proclamation signed earlier this week by President Cyril Ramaphosa, authorising the SIU to thoroughly investigate the city amid allegations of irregular procurement of printers, photocopyers, and other office equipment, to recover any losses suffered by the state. “Proclamation 295 of 2025 covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2016 and 31 October 2025, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2016 or after the date of the proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
Kganyago further confirmed that the SIU has presidential authorisation to investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the state. The probe will also focus on the contracting of goods and services, examining whether contracts were awarded fairly, competitively, transparently, equitably, and cost-effectively, in line with applicable legislation and treasury guidelines.
“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses. Protecting the public interest and assets through preventative and systemic investigations is central to eradicating fraud, maladministration, and corruption,” Kganyago added.
In line with the SIU Act (Act 74 of 1996), any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigation will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The SIU is also authorised to pursue civil action in the High Court or Special Tribunal to address wrongdoing resulting from corruption, fraud, or maladministration.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Siyathemba Municipality welcomed the SIU’s probe, which targets misconduct dating back to 2016. “Over the years, the DA has fought to address the critical lack of financial oversight in the municipality, particularly the dysfunctionality of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC). The committee is responsible for examining financial statements and audit reports, making recommendations, and investigating irregular expenditure,” said DA councillor Wiida Pelster.
Pelster alleged that MPAC’s dysfunction contributed to irregular expenditure exceeding R360 million over the past 15 years, citing a lack of financial competence, withheld financial statements, and insufficient political will to expose irregularities. The DA previously tabled motions of no confidence (MONC) against municipal officials, including the speaker and MPAC chairperson, but these motions were unsuccessful due to council opposition.
Pelster also highlighted unfinished legacy infrastructure projects in Prieska and Marydale, which remain incomplete despite significant spending. These include bulk sewer lines, pump stations, reservoirs, and sewerage networks, with progress ranging from 40% to 99%. “The Prieska Waterborne Gravitational Sewer Network for 472 erven in E’thembeni Plakkerskamp remains incomplete, with millions spent but open trenches left and some trenches filled with pipes,” Pelster said.
The DA hopes the SIU probe will encourage municipal employees to whistleblow and ensure those responsible for misappropriating taxpayers’ money are held accountable.
