SIU probes Umzumbe municipality
Two key changes have made to an original proclamation which was signed in 2024.
Amendments have been made to a presidential proclamation which has mandated the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the Umzumbe Local Municipality.
The original proclamation was signed in 2024 and had authorised the SIU to investigate allegations including serious maladministration, unlawful expenditure of public funds, unlawful conduct by employees of the municipality, negligent loss of public money or damage to public property, procurement irregularities, and corruption related to several municipal projects between January 1, 2013 and July 10 this year.
The projects consist of construction of municipal offices, rehabilitation of Qwabe, Cabhane, Mabheleni, Magabha, Sgananda and Ndletshe roads, building of the Isipofu access road, building of the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre and building of the Nkanini Indoor Sports Centre.
In addition, the projects include the Ntatshana access road and bridge, as well as a three-year electrification turnkey project.
The amendment published in the Government Gazette on July 10, makes two key changes to the original proclamation.
According to SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho, the original proclamation incorrectly cited the tender number for the Nkanini Indoor Sports Centre, as the tender number changed during the award process. This amendment corrects the tender number.
It also extends the investigation period, meaning the timeframe for the SIU’s investigation has been extended to the date of publication of the amendment (July 10).
This will enable the unit to continue investigating any new matters that may have arisen and are relevant to the original terms of reference.
Spokesperson for the municipality Sabelo Ncwane said that the proclamation amendment by President Cyril Ramaphosa is noted.
“The municipality will continue to cooperate with the SIU and ensure that they discharge their responsibility without any hindrances.”
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