President Cyril Ramaphosa has given a green light to the Special Investigating Unit(SIU) to probe allegations of maladministration at uMzinyathi District Municipality.
According to SIU statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 305 of 2026 authorising the Special Investigating Unit(SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct, and to recover financial losses in the affairs of the uMzinyathi District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
The statement mentioned that Proclamation 305 of 2026 empowers the SIU to probe matters relating to procurement and contracting by municipality, 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.
The statement pointed out that the investigation will determine whether these contracts and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective. The SIU will also probe any potential violations of applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, and the municipality's own policies and procedures.
The statement also mentioned that the probe covers allegations of serious maladministration; misconduct by officials or employees; illegal appropriation or spending of public funds or assets; irregular acts involving state property; intentional or negligent loss of public funds or damage to public property; relevant offences under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Act No. 12 of 2004); and any unlawful or improper conduct resulting in harm to the public interests.
The statement revealed that the Proclamation covers allegations that took place between 1 March 2020 and 21 November 2025. It also empowers the SIU investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered.