Ramaphosa widens SIU probe into KZN Transport tenders and contracts - IOL
The SIU investigation into the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has been expanded to cover additional tenders, contracts and road projects.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has widened the Special Investigating Unit’s investigation into the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, bringing more road projects, public transport services and contract variations under scrutiny over allegations of corruption and maladministration.
Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 351 of 2026, amending Proclamation 156 of 2024, which initially authorised the SIU to investigate procurement and contracting linked to four bridge projects in the province.
The amendment was published in the Government Gazette on Friday, expanding both the scope and period of the investigation.
“The investigation includes payments made in relation to these contracts where the procurement or contracting processes were not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective,” SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said.
Makgotho said the probe also covers procurement that “contravened applicable legislation, Treasury prescripts or departmental policies and procedures” or “resulted in unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure”.
The expanded investigation includes the upgrade of Main Road P361, District Road D871 and District Road D1290 in the Uthukela District under Contract Number ZNB01067/00000/00/HOD/INF/21/T.
The provision of subsidised public transport passenger services under Tender ZNB 2278/24T has also been brought under the SIU’s mandate.
Variation orders relating to contracts ZNQ 4197 and ZNQ 4198 and the extension of Contract ZNB 136/17T will also be investigated.
“The amendment also extends the period covered by the investigation to the date of publication of the amendment,” Makgotho said.
The change means the SIU can investigate relevant conduct falling within the expanded mandate up to September 25, 2026.
The original proclamation authorised the SIU to investigate procurement and contracting linked to four bridge projects: the Mngwenya River Bridge on D385, Umlalazi River Bridge Number 3782 on D1551, Mhlathuze Bridge Number 3837 on D2238 and Phethu River Bridge Number 3526.
The investigation initially covered allegations of unlawful or improper conduct between June 1, 2016 and February 23, 2024.
It also extends to subsequent conduct that is “relevant to, connected with or incidental to the matters under investigation, or that involves the same persons, entities or contracts,” Makgotho said.
The SIU can investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption and pursue civil action where its investigations establish grounds to do so.
“In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU is empowered to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption, institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal and recover financial losses suffered by the State,” Makgotho said.
