The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct in the affairs of the Free State Department of Education.
This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 325 of 2026, authorising the SIU to probe the department.
“The investigation will review the procurement and contracting processes for construction services performed by or on behalf of the department from 1 March 2014 until the date of the proclamation.
“It will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State in relation to and any related matters, projects at Caleb Motshabi [formerly Thuto Ke Thebe] Primary School, Malebogo Primary School and Tlholo Primary School,” the SIU explained.
The corruption busting unit will also probe whether procurement processes “complied with applicable legislation, National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations, as well as the department’s procurement policies and procedures”.
“The investigation will further examine any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the department, service providers, or any other individuals or entities involved.
“It will also include any related conduct involving the same persons, entities or contracts identified during the investigation,” the SIU added.
Great Kokstad Local Municipality
The President has also signed a notice to amend Proclamation 244 of 2025 related to the Great Kokstad Local Municipality.
“The original proclamation, published on 31 January 2025, authorised the SIU to investigate the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services by or on behalf of the Great Kokstad Local Municipality, and any payments made in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective.
“It also investigates any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, service providers, suppliers, or any other person or entity during the period under investigation.
“The amendment extends the investigation period to commence on 5 June 2020 instead of 1 January 2022 and continue until the date of publication of the amended proclamation,” the SIU said.
The investigation covers:
- Bid GKM 19-22/23 for the appointment of a service provider to supply and renew software licences for a period of three years; and
- Bid GKM 16-22/23 for the appointment of a service provider to supply customer care and IT service desk solution for a period of three years.
The amendment further expands the scope of the investigation to include:
- Bid GKM 43-19/20 for the supply and delivery of laptops and desktop computers; and
- Bid GKM 14-20/21 for the supply and renewal of software licences.
“The SIU is mandated to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure, unlawful conduct and any related corruption or fraud, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
“In terms of the Act No. 74 of 1996, the SIU is empowered to investigate matters referred to it by the President and to institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations.
“The SIU may also recover financial losses suffered by the State arising from acts of corruption, fraud, maladministration or any other unlawful conduct identified during these investigations,” the SIU stated. – SAnews.gov.za
