SIU To Probe SITA, Bushbuckridge Municipality

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is poised to launch separate investigations into the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga Province.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed two proclamations authorising the corruption busting unit to probe the two entities.

At the SITA, the SIU will investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption focusing on the procurement of a Turnkey Software Asset Management Solution and Integrated Logistics Support Services.

“The SIU will assess whether the procurement process adhered to National Treasury guidelines or if it was tainted by irregularities, lack of transparency, or wasteful expenditure. Additionally, the investigation will examine any unlawful or improper conduct by SITA employees, suppliers, or other entities involved in the contract.

“The investigation period spans 13 July 2017 to 16 May 2025, including any relevant conduct before or after this timeframe,” the SIU said.

The investigation at the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality will zero in on serious maladministration and unlawful conduct related to a street paving contract for the Lillydale Phase 1 project.

“The SIU aims to address allegations regarding the fairness, competitiveness, transparency, equity, and cost-effectiveness of the procurement process, examining whether it has violated any applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, or municipal policies. Additionally, the investigation will scrutinise any instances of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure connected to this project.

“The investigation will also examine improper conduct by municipal officials, employees, suppliers, or service providers and determine whether such conduct resulted in financial losses for the municipality or the state.

“The Proclamation covers conduct occurring between 1 January 2018 and 16 May 2025, as well as any related activities before or after this period that are connected to the matters under investigation,” the SIU said.

Furthermore, evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigations will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses.

“Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the unit concluded. – SAnews.gov.za