President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct in the uMzinyathi district municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 305 of 2026, with the aim of recovering financial losses relating to procurement and contracting by the municipality, including the supply, installation and maintenance of ground dual static tanks and fuel, as well as the lease and eventual purchase of a generator for the Vants Drift water treatment plant in Nquthu.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the investigation would determine whether these contracts and related payments were conducted fairly, competitively, transparently, equitably and cost-effectively.

The SIU will also probe any potential violations of applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, and the municipality’s own policies and procedures.

The municipality faces allegations of serious maladministration; misconduct by officials or employees; illegal appropriation or spending of public funds or assets; irregular acts involving State property; intentional or negligent loss of public funds or damage to public property; offences under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act; and unlawful or improper conduct resulting in harm to the public interest.

The Proclamation will cover allegations that took place between 2020 and 2026.

“It also empowers the SIU to investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered,” Kganyago said.

The SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action and is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal.