Three municipal tenders from 2018 and 2019 are to be probed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The investigation will focus on a KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) road rehabilitation contract from 2018 and two electrical supply contracts from 2019.

Combined, the tender amounts reach into the tens of millions of rands.

The SIU is a state body designed to investigate “serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration in the administration of state institutions,” which includes municipalities.

Investigations are typically prompted by contact from whistle blowers or from the state institutions themselves.

According to the notice in the government gazette last Friday, the SIU will look into the procurement of the three tenders and investigate whether the process was competitive, in line with legislation and conducted properly.

Investigators are also empowered to look into the conduct of any officials or employees of the municipality in relation to the tender awards.

The timeline for the investigation is not clear and KDM has not responded to a request for comment.

KwaDukuza Democratic Alliance caucus leader, Privi Makhan, welcomed the investigation.

“We are calling on all those that are persons of interest to fully cooperate with the investigative process,” she said.

“In addition to this, the municipal manager, Nhlanhla Mdakane, must present a report to full council, to appraise the new term of council on this investigation.”

KwaDukuza’s first full council meeting of 2025 is scheduled for January 30.

The municipality was last investigated by the SIU with regards to allegations of improper procurement contracts for personal protective equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They were cleared of any improper conduct at the end of the process in early 2022.

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