Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate matters of alleged corruption and maladministration at Midvaal, EC Health

The Eastern Cape Health Department and the Midvaal Local Municipality, both located in Gauteng, are the subject of an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into allegations of corruption and poor management.

This came about when President Cyril Ramaphosa issued orders allowing the unit charged with fighting corruption to do so.

The probe in the Eastern Cape will concentrate on the department’s acquisition of or contracting for health care risk waste management services, according to SIU spokeswoman Kaizer Kganyago.

“The probe will firstly look at whether the contract and payments were fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective and whether guidelines by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury were followed.

“Secondly, the SIU will investigate any irregular, improper or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the department, and any other person or parties involved in this tender,” Kganyago said.

The SIU will look into a tender for the rental of a vehicle tracking system at the Midvaal Municipality, comprising the installation, supervision, and upkeep of a web-based live tracking system by or on behalf of the municipality.

“The SIU will investigate whether the payments pertaining to this contract were fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost effective, and followed the guidelines, policies and procedures issued by the National Treasury or Provincial Treasury.

“The SIU will also investigate any improper or unlawful conduct by the officials or employees of the municipality or the service provider in question,” Kganyago said.

Any possible offences will be investigated, he said, and will be prosecuted civilly.

“The SIU is empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name, to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during both investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.

“In line with the SIU Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action,” Kganyago said.