By REGINALD KANYANE
24 July 2025- Action SA in North West said it unequivocally condemns the North West Development Corporation’s (NWDC) alleged gross mismanagement and disregard for proper procurement protocols in the awarding of security contracts to Tokiso Security Services. Action SA said it commend the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s decisive proclamation empowering the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to thoroughly investigate all Tokiso contracts linked to the NWDC and affiliated entities.
Action SA provincial chairperson, Botshelo Rakate said the investigation is long overdue. Rakate said the blatant diversion of scarce public funds through irregular and politicized tenders is a flagrant betrayal of the people of North West, many of whom are suffering under a staggering unemployment rate of 56,4% overall and a youth unemployment crisis at an alarming 58.8%.
“This youth unemployment rate, one of the highest in the country, is a catastrophic barrier to economic inclusion and social stability that demands urgent redress. Every rand lost to corruption deepens poverty, undermines vital service delivery, and erodes public trust in government.
“The diversion of limited resources into opaque contracts starves job-creation and skills development initiatives at a time when young people desperately need sustainable opportunities,” he said.
Rakate further said it is utterly unacceptable that security contracts, critical to public safety, have allegedly been siphoned away from the Department of Community Safety and handed to the NWDC, an entity operating with little transparency and accountability. He added that this has created an environment ripe for nepotism and graft as evidenced by the murky dealings surrounding Tokiso Security Services.
“As Action SA in North West, we demand immediate remedial steps. Return all security procurement responsibilities to the Department of Community Safety, with stringent oversight and transparency. Publicly disclose all Tokiso contracts, including detailed evaluation criteria, pricing, and board approvals.
“Suspend all Tokiso contracts immediately pending the SIU’s comprehensive value-for-money audit. Recover any payments made in excess of actual service rendered. Enforce robust whistle-blower protections to safeguard insiders who expose corruption and maladministration,” said Rakate.
He said the government should insource all security personnel into provincial departments to eliminate procurement loopholes and safeguard public resources. Rakate said it should also call on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritize and fast-track criminal prosecutions based on SIU findings.
“We will not rest until taxpayers’ money is fully recovered and the systemic rot enabling such corruption is eradicated. Public entities must operate strictly within their mandates, uphold the highest standards of governance, and serve the people, not their own interests,” he said.
The Guardian 