Ramaphosa Broadens Chris Hani Municipality SIU Investigation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to expand its investigation into procurement linked to the Chris Hani District Municipality’s Tsomo Water Treatment and River Abstraction Works project.

In Proclamation 332 of 2026, the President amended an earlier proclamation, allowing the SIU to investigate additional matters within the municipality.

The expanded mandate includes the appointment of the Chris Hani Co-operative Development Centre NPC for the conversion of Community Service Providers into co-operatives, as well as procurement under Tender No. 33/2015/MD (TN), Cluster 9 Backlog Eradication: Tsomo Water Treatment and River Abstraction Works.

The proclamation authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of irregular, unlawful or improper conduct relating to the matters identified. It does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against the municipality, its officials, the NPC, or any other party.

The investigation period runs from 1 January 2016 to 7 August 2026. The SIU said the expanded scope followed information identified during its investigation that requires further examination.

Komani News requested comment from the Chris Hani District Municipality but had not received a response by the time of publication.

The Presidency also announced three new SIU proclamations relating to alleged irregularities in other parts of the country.

In the Northern Cape Department of Education, the SIU will investigate procurement connected to the construction of the new Kuruman Secondary School in Wrenchville/Kalahari. The investigation will examine whether procurement processes were fair, competitive, transparent and cost-effective, and whether irregular expenditure may have occurred.

A separate proclamation authorises an investigation into the rehabilitation of road MR938 between Hotazel and Kathu, under a Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works tender. The SIU will investigate allegations of maladministration, irregular procurement and possible wasteful expenditure.

In Knysna Local Municipality, the SIU has been authorised to investigate Tender T25 of 2023/2024 for physical security services. The investigation will focus on possible procurement irregularities, the conduct of officials and suppliers, and any financial losses that may have resulted.

Across all four matters, the SIU is authorised to investigate possible maladministration, fraud, corruption or other unlawful conduct by officials, employees, service providers and related entities.

The SIU may refer evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority. It may also institute civil proceedings in the High Court or Special Tribunal to recover losses suffered by the State, where appropriate.