The North West Department of Public Works and Roads’ multi-million-rand road special maintenance project, covering 58km, is under the microscope.
This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of Proclamation 340 of 2026, unleashing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe explosive allegations of corruption, irregular expenditure and serious maladministration at the department.
At the heart of the investigation is a single R150.4 million tender for the maintenance of Road P152/1 between Setlagole and Delareyville, with investigators on a mission to claw back every cent lost to the state.
SIU national spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the investigation will focus on the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services by or on behalf of the department in relation to bid number PWR 89/13.
“The SIU will investigate whether the procurement process, contracting and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective; contrary to applicable legislation; or inconsistent with manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, as well as the department’s own policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices,” said Makgotho.
He said the investigation will further determine whether the contract was tainted by improper or unlawful conduct by officials, employees or agents of the department, service providers or any other person or entity, with the intention of corruptly or unduly benefiting themselves or another person or entity.
“The SIU will also investigate allegations of fraud and any related unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the state,” remarked Makgotho.
According to the SIU, the investigation will cover the period from 9 March 2021 to 28 August 2026, which is the date of publication of the Proclamation.
“In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996), the SIU is empowered to investigate the allegations, institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or High Court, and take appropriate steps to recover financial losses suffered by the state,” elaborated the SIU national spokesperson.
The SIU Act further empowers the Unit to institute civil proceedings in its own name before the Special Tribunal or High Court to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation arising from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.
