The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been authorised to investigate allegations of maladministration, unlawful conduct and possible financial irregularities involving school construction projects within the Free State Department of Education.
The investigation follows the signing of Proclamation 325 of 2026 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, empowering the SIU to probe procurement and contracting processes linked to several education infrastructure projects.
SIU To Probe School Construction Contracts
According to the SIU, the investigation will examine the procurement and contracting of construction services carried out by, or on behalf of, the Free State Department of Education from 1 March 2014 until the date of the proclamation.
“The investigation will review the procurement and contracting processes for construction services performed by or on behalf of the department from 1 March 2014 until the date of the proclamation.
“It will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State in relation to and any related matters, projects at Caleb Motshabi [formerly Thuto Ke Thebe] Primary School, Malebogo Primary School and Tlholo Primary School,” the SIU explained.
The investigation will determine whether procurement processes complied with applicable legislation, National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations, as well as the department's own procurement policies.
The SIU will also examine whether any officials, employees, service providers or other parties were involved in irregular, unlawful or improper conduct linked to the projects.
“The investigation will further examine any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the department, service providers, or any other individuals or entities involved.
“It will also include any related conduct involving the same persons, entities or contracts identified during the investigation,” the SIU added.
SIU Investigation Into Great Kokstad Local Municipality Expanded
President Ramaphosa has also approved an amendment to Proclamation 244 of 2025, extending the scope of the SIU's investigation into the Great Kokstad Local Municipality.
The original proclamation, published on 31 January 2025, authorised the SIU to investigate the municipality's procurement of goods, works and services, as well as payments that may not have complied with fair, transparent and competitive procurement requirements.
“The original proclamation, published on 31 January 2025, authorised the SIU to investigate the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services by or on behalf of the Great Kokstad Local Municipality, and any payments made in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective.
“It also investigates any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, service providers, suppliers, or any other person or entity during the period under investigation.
“The amendment extends the investigation period to commence on 5 June 2020 instead of 1 January 2022 and continue until the date of publication of the amended proclamation,” the SIU said.
Additional Municipal Contracts Under Investigation
The expanded investigation will include the following procurement processes:
- Bid GKM 19-22/23 for the appointment of a service provider to supply and renew software licences over three years.
- Bid GKM 16-22/23 for the appointment of a service provider to supply a customer care and IT service desk solution over three years.
- Bid GKM 43-19/20 for the supply and delivery of laptops and desktop computers.
- Bid GKM 14-20/21 for the supply and renewal of software licences.
SIU Mandate Includes Recovering State Losses
The SIU said its investigations focus on allegations of serious maladministration, unlawful conduct, irregular expenditure, corruption and fraud within state institutions.
“The SIU is mandated to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure, unlawful conduct and any related corruption or fraud, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
“In terms of the Act No. 74 of 1996, the SIU is empowered to investigate matters referred to it by the President and to institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations.
“The SIU may also recover financial losses suffered by the State arising from acts of corruption, fraud, maladministration or any other unlawful conduct identified during these investigations,” the SIU stated.
The investigations form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, improve governance and protect public funds within government departments and municipalities.
