By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi said has noted the Presidential Proclamation regarding the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in accordance with the signed Proclamation 21 of 2021 and the Special Tribunal ACT, 1996 (ACT No. 74 of 1996) to investigate malfeasance allegations at his department.
This comes after President, Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the SIU to investigate serious malpractice, corruption, malfeasance, and maladministration in relation against the administration of the department.
“We wish to welcome the investigation and its scope, commencing as it were, from 1 January 2016 to 12 March 2021. It is my view that such an investigation by the SIU will provide a full picture of the governance state of the department.
“Hopefully this will assist with the recommendation towards corrective steps necessary to ensure that such occurrences never recur. It is our wish that such an investigation assist in substantiating and/or refuting other findings already in our possession, such as the Preliminary Investigation Report by the National Treasury,” he said.
Molapisi said he is committed to offering whatever support the Investigators require to fulfill the directive of the President of the Republic. He added that all employees of the department are also directed to subject themselves to interviews and avail whatever information that will be needed by the SIU.
“The executive leadership of the province has committed to prioritising the investigating of historical unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure and to combat any form of corruption,” said Molapisi.
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “Ramaphosa has signed a Proclamation R21 of 2021 authorizing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate corruption, malpractice, and maladministration in the department and to recover any financial losses suffered by the department.
“The proclamation authorizes the SIU to look into transactions that took place between 1 January 2016 and 12 March 2021, the date of proclamation. The SIU is also authorized to look into transactions that took place after the date of the proclamation, which is relevant to, connected with, incidental, or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.”
He further said the SIU investigation in the department will focus on the procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the department relating to project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the Department.
Kganyago added that they will further spread their investigations into the rehabilitation of flood-damaged road infrastructure in the North West and the installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort.
“There were alleged payments which were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective, or contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State.
“We will also investigate any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the department or applicable service providers, or any other person or entity in relation to the allegations,” he said.
Kganyago further said the SIU will exercise all its legislative powers to subpoena, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath during the investigation.
Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial Chief Whip, Freddy Sonakile said: “We welcome the SIU investigation into allegations of malfeasance in the department. The DA has been vocal about the ongoing malfeasance that includes the irregular expenditure of R1.7 billion incurred over the past three financial years and not investigated.
“What is of concern is that in 2018 the former President, Jacob Zuma signed a proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate the department after it was embroiled in a number of corruption allegations which included the multi-million tenders for scholar transport and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).”
Sonakile said the report was sent to Zuma to act on its findings, but no further action was taken. He further said they hope that this investigation ordered by Ramaphosa will yield results this time around and not turn out to be another fruitless exercise.
“The DA will monitor the investigations by the SIU to ensure that all irregularities are exposed and that those found guilty, are held accountable,” he said.
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