The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption within the Airport Corporation of South Africa (Acsa), the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation of Gauteng, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and Ngqushwa Local Municipality.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed four new proclamations authorizing the SIU to investigate interest rate swap deals at Acsa linked to state capture findings and two contracts with the Ministry of Sports, Gauteng Arts, Culture and Leisure.

The SIU will also investigate the procurement of security services and VIP protection services in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, the upgrading of a sports ground and the supply and delivery of a luxury SUV mayor vehicle in the Ngqushwa local municipality.

Ramaphosa signed four proclamations

Acsa’s investigation will look into interest rate swap agreements with various banks, as highlighted by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the investigation would look into inappropriate or illegal conduct by Acsa employees or officials.

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“This includes the illegal appropriation or expenditure of public funds or property; irregular or unapproved transactions, practices or measures involving state property; intentional or negligent loss of public funds; damage to public property; and the offenses outlined in the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004,” Kganyago said.

Any illegal or inappropriate conduct by individuals causing or likely to cause serious harm to the public interest will also be investigated.

The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation is considering contracts relating to the supply and installation of a CCTV and surveillance system in the department’s Surrey House in 2019 and at the Heritage Day Social Cohesion Carnival organized by the department in 2019.

SIU examines CCTV system for Heritage Day Carnival 2019

Kganyago said the investigation would look into purchases and contracts of goods and services made by or on behalf of the department.

“It will determine whether payments made followed National Treasury guidelines and assess whether these payments were irregular. It will also determine whether certain expenditures were fruitless, unnecessary or resulted in financial losses to the department or the state,” he said.

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The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality inquiry in KwaZulu-Natal will investigate the procurement of VIP security and protection services, examining whether the process was conducted in a fair and transparent manner and whether service providers respected their commitments.

“Furthermore, the investigation will determine whether there has been any illegal or improper conduct by employees, officials or agents of the municipality and (any other person or entity) aimed at corrupting or unduly benefiting them themselves or others,” Kganyago said.

The Ngqushwa Local Municipality investigation in the Eastern Cape will look into the upgrading of a sports ground as well as the supply and delivery of a luxury SUV vehicle from the mayor.

Sports filed an update and a luxury SUV from the mayor

Payments which contravene relevant legislation, guidance or instructions from the National or Provincial Treasury or which were not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective will be investigated by the SIU.

It also covers any unauthorized, irregular or unnecessary expenditure by the state or municipality.

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The investigation will also examine any irregular, illegal or inappropriate conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity involved.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses,” Kganyago said.

Referral to the NPA for further action

Kganyago added that the SIU would refer any evidence of criminal conduct discovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

The SIU Act also gives the SIU the power to bring civil action on its behalf in the High Court or a special tribunal to remedy any misconduct found during its investigation arising from fraud, corruption or poor administration.