SIU to probe ‘white elephant’ big brother tender
A total of R400-million was spent by the city in 2014 to erect CCTV cameras, but more than 319 of the installed cameras have not functioned since 2019.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will probe allegations of maladministration and corruption related to a multimillion-rand CCTV tender in the Tshwane metro.
This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa signing a proclamation that allows the SIU to investigate several entities and municipalities, including Tshwane.
The SIU will also probe any contravention of municipal legislation, wasteful and fruitless expenditure or any losses incurred by the municipality.
The investigation covers the period from January 1, 2014, to November 8, 2024.
According to MMC for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee, the proclamation signed by the president allows the SIU to start probing the 2014 CCTV tender that did little to reduce crime in Tshwane.
Coetzee said a total of R400-million was spent by the city in 2014, but more than 319 of the installed cameras have not functioned since 2019.
“Ramaphosa’s proclamation begins steps towards holding those accountable for the tender to justice.”
He added that the CCTV installation project was intended to enhance crime fighting with fully functional surveillance around the metro.
Coetzee said Proclamation 212 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration in the procurement or contracting of goods, work or services by or on behalf of the municipality. This tender was intended for the upgrading and extension of macro surveillance CCTV systems in Tshwane.
“Crime in the Pretoria CBD has increased by 30%, a concerning development for service delivery.”
Coetzee said the investigation will zoom into the payments and establish whether the contracting and procurement were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective.
“This proclamation should instil a sense of assurance with the public that corruption will not be tolerated.”
https://x.com/Abramjee/status/1856637986584064062
City of Tshwane welcomes Special Investigating Unit probe into questionable
2014 CCTV tender@CityTshwaneAs MMC for Community Safety, I welcome and support President Cyril Ramaphosa’s
proclamation that allows the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to start probing the 2014 CCTV…— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 13, 2024
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the investigation into the metro will focus on the procurement of services for the upgrading and extension of a macro surveillance CCTV system in Tshwane.
“It will also probe whether there was unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure by the municipality and losses incurred by the municipality or the state.”
Kganyago explained the investigation would delve deep into the payments and establish whether the contracting and procurement were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective.
“Additionally, these activities were contrary to applicable legislation; manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or relevant provincial Treasury; and policies, procedures, or practices of or applicable to the municipality,” he said.
Kganyago added the investigations would also find out if there was unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, contractors, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties related to these allegations.
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