Contracts worth nearly half a billion rand have been set aside or deemed invalid following a series of corruption and maladministration investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in KwaZulu-Natal.
The SIU briefed the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) at the KZN Legislature this week, detailing its progress and findings for the 2024/2025 financial year. The investigations targeted several provincial government departments and municipalities across the province.
According to Ashish Gosai, the provincial head of the SIU, the unit’s core mission is to “recover money lost to the state while ensuring that weaknesses in the system are identified and enhanced.”
Key KZN SIU outcomes for 2024/2025:
- R35.8 million in cash or assets to be recovered
- R886 million in potential losses prevented
- R499 million in contracts set aside or deemed invalid
- R125 million worth of matters referred for civil proceedings
- 35 referrals made for disciplinary action against officials or executives
- 54 matters referred to prosecuting authorities
Among the SIU’s major undertakings is the ongoing investigation into the Department of Health’s medico-legal claims from 2022, where the unit successfully prevented losses of up to R2.7 billion. The SIU uncovered unlawful and improper conduct by claimants and their legal representatives in medical negligence cases.
The SIU also reported progress in its probe into eThekwini Municipality’s procurement of security and VIP protection services dating back to 2004, and the controversial eThekwini Ablution Blocks project. The investigations seek to determine whether procurement processes were fair, transparent, and whether contracted services were properly delivered.
Gosai noted that several departments and municipalities owe the SIU R85.7 million, which threatens to strain the unit’s operational budget. He explained that the SIU’s funding model depends 60% on recovery of fees from the entities it investigates.
“Without those payments, our operations are affected,” Gosai told Scopa. “A resolution was passed in 2022 directing departments to settle payments, but some continue to ignore our requests.”
Among the largest outstanding amounts are:
- eThekwini Municipality: reduced its debt from R21 million to R965,000
- Department of Health: still owes R15 million
- Public Works: reduced from R39 million to R22 million
- Transport: reduced from R38 million to R3 million
Scopa chairperson Tim Brauteseth confirmed that the committee will demand explanations from departments on why they have not settled their debts with the SIU.
ANC deputy chief whip and MPL, Celiwe Madlopha, praised the SIU’s work, calling the unit a crucial partner in enforcing accountability and fighting corruption in KZN.
“We will look closely at the SIU report and ensure departments are held accountable,” Madlopha said.
The SIU continues to conduct integrity and anti-corruption workshops for government officials, emphasizing prevention as a key pillar in the fight against corruption.
