The Special Investigating Unit has been authorised to investigate five tenders at the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure amid allegations of maladministration, corruption, irregular expenditure and the unlawful or improper loss of public funds.
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 344 of 2026, giving the SIU authority to investigate procurement and contracting linked to the five tenders.
The investigation covers the upgrading of Road DR08125 from the N2 to Sipetu Hospital, urgent re-gravelling of roads DR18033 and DR08288, emergency preparations for the funeral of former Gauteng Economic Development MEC Nkosiphendule Kolisile, emergency flood-damage repairs to Road DR08076 in the Elundini local municipal area, and the appointment of security service providers for departmental head-office clusters over 36 months.
The SIU will examine whether the procurement processes and related payments were fair, competitive, transparent, equitable and cost-effective, and whether they complied with legislation, National Treasury and provincial Treasury requirements and the department’s own procurement rules.
The investigation will also determine whether officials, employees, service providers or other parties engaged in improper or unlawful conduct to obtain an undue or corrupt benefit.
The SIU will further examine allegations of fraud and any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure arising from the tenders.
The investigation covers the period from 1 January 2021 to 9 September 2026, the date on which the proclamation was published.
The SIU is empowered to institute civil proceedings before the Special Tribunal or High Court and take steps to recover financial losses suffered by the state.
The Eastern Cape investigation adds to a growing number of procurement-related probes being undertaken by the anti-corruption unit across government.
The SIU has separately been authorised to investigate a R150 million tender involving the maintenance of 28km of road at the North West Department of Public Works and Roads.
