Ramaphosa Expands SIU Corruption Probe Into Umzumbe Municipality With New Proclamation
President Cyril Ramaphosa has intensified the investigation into alleged corruption and maladministration at the Umzumbe Local Municipality after signing a new proclamation that broadens the powers of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
The latest move signals that the investigation is far from over. By extending the period under review, the SIU will now be able to examine additional matters that may have emerged during its ongoing probe into a series of municipal infrastructure projects in KwaZulu-Natal.
The amendment, published as Proclamation Notice 327 of 2026 in the Government Gazette on 10 July 2026, updates the original Proclamation 183 of 2024, which first authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption, procurement irregularities, unlawful expenditure of public funds and serious maladministration at the municipality.
The original proclamation, published on 13 September 2024, covered projects dating back to 1 January 2013. Investigators were tasked with examining whether public money was misused during the planning, procurement and execution of several major infrastructure developments.
Among the projects under scrutiny are the construction of new municipal offices, road rehabilitation programmes, the Isipofu Access Road, the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre, the Nkanini Indoor Sports Centre, the Ntatshana Access Road and Bridge, as well as a Three Year Electrification Turnkey Project.
The amended proclamation introduces two significant changes.
Firstly, it corrects the tender number linked to the Nkanini Indoor Sports Centre project after the original proclamation referenced an incorrect number. According to the amendment, the tender number changed during the award process, making the correction necessary to ensure the investigation accurately reflects the procurement records.
Secondly, the proclamation extends the investigation period to the date on which the amendment was published. This gives the SIU authority to pursue any additional evidence or allegations that have surfaced since the original proclamation was issued.
The extension is expected to strengthen the investigation by allowing investigators to follow new leads connected to the municipality’s original terms of reference, rather than being restricted by the earlier cut off date.
The SIU derives its powers from the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996). The legislation authorises the unit to investigate corruption, fraud and maladministration involving state institutions and to institute civil proceedings aimed at recovering public money lost through unlawful conduct.
Where evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered, the SIU may institute civil action in either the Special Tribunal or the High Court to recover financial losses suffered by the state. The unit can also seek to set aside unlawful contracts and pursue those found responsible for acts of corruption or maladministration.
The amended proclamation does not introduce new allegations against the municipality. Instead, it ensures the SIU has the legal scope to continue its investigation thoroughly, correct an administrative error relating to a tender reference and pursue any further evidence uncovered during the course of its work.
With billions of rand lost to corruption across South Africa’s public sector every year, investigations such as these remain a key test of government efforts to strengthen accountability and safeguard public funds. As the SIU’s investigation continues, attention will remain firmly fixed on whether the expanded mandate leads to further findings, civil recoveries or legal action.
