SIU probes 14-generator procurement at Theewaterskloof Municipality

President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) permission to look into the purchase of 14 backup generators for water supply systems in Theewaterskloof Local Municipality, Western Cape. This investigation comes after Proclamation 339 of 2026, which allows the SIU to examine allegations of serious mismanagement, corruption, wasteful spending, and misuse of public funds at the municipality.

SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the probe will look into the buying and contracting of the generators during the 2022/23 financial year. The investigation will cover boreholes and water pump stations in several towns including Grabouw, Greyton, Caledon, Villiersdorp, Botrivier, Genadendal, Tesselaarsdal, and Riviersonderend.

Makgotho stated the SIU will determine if the procurement and payments for the generators were done fairly, competitively, transparently, equitably, and cost-effectively. They will also investigate whether the procurement followed the law and guidelines issued by the National Treasury or the Provincial Treasury. The Proclamation empowers the SIU to probe any improper or unlawful actions by officials, employees, service providers, or others related to the allegations between 1 October 2022 and 21 August 2026.

The SIU is not only looking for potential corruption, fraud, and mismanagement, but also seeking to find systemic failures and suggest ways to avoid future losses. Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996, the SIU can investigate the allegations, bring civil cases in the Special Tribunal, and take steps to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.

The SIU Act also allows the unit to take civil proceedings in the High Court or Special Tribunal on behalf of the government to address any wrongdoing found during its investigation related to corruption, fraud, or mismanagement. The SIU only learned of the authorization to begin the investigation yesterday and cannot yet disclose the amount of money involved. The investigation has not started yet, so further details will be provided once it begins.