Ramaphosa authorises SIU probe into five Eastern Cape Public Works tenders
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate five contracts awarded by the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, amid allegations of maladministration, corruption, fraud, and irregular expenditure.
The mandate is contained in Proclamation 344 of 2026. The SIU may examine how the tenders were awarded and paid for, and recover any losses suffered by the state. Spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the probe covers the period from 1 January 2021 to publication of the proclamation.
The contracts involve road works, emergency infrastructure, and security services. They include the 10km upgrade of Road DR08125 from the N2 to Sipetu Hospital; urgent re-gravelling of roads DR18033 and DR08288; emergency work for the funeral of former Gauteng MEC Nkosiphendule Kolisile; flood-related gravelling on DR08076 in Elundini; and a 36-month security contract for the department’s head office clusters.
Investigators will test whether procurement was fair, competitive, and lawful, and whether officials or service providers benefited improperly.
