Activists, unions welcome SIU's investigation into corruption in the City of Mbombela
DA member of the Mpumalanga legislature James Masango said the province had been 'plagued by heightened service delivery challenges'.
Human rights activists and unions have welcomed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigating allegations of maladministration and corruption in the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
It follows an instruction from President Cyril Ramaphosa to look into seven contracts and other related issues in the municipality.
'The SIU will probe any related unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the state about the awarding of tenders,' said the unit.
The tenders and issues under scrutiny include:
Investigation and legal services;
The installation of internal municipal civil engineering services;
Construction of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing units;
The provision of project management under the integrated residential development programme at Emjindini in Barberton;
Engineering services;
Construction of the R538 Hazyview to Numbi Gate road;
The appointment of professional consultants for the establishment of the strategic programmes and projects support unit for the municipality;
The turnkey energy efficiency and demand side management programme; and
The implementation of the construction of phase 1 of the Nsikazi North bulk water scheme.
The probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees, their suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated.
The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 16 February 2015 and 2 May 2025, as well as any related activities before 16 February 2015 and after the date of the proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities or contracts.
SAMWU welcomes investigation
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Mpumalanga welcomed the proclamation and said it confirms its long-standing call to fight corruption and malfeasance in the municipality.
'The relevant authorities assigned to oversee these institutions seem to turn a blind eye to such a state of affairs, with no initiative to confront this scourge of systemic corruption,' said Samwu provincial secretary Sam Lekhuleni.
'We, therefore, thank our president in advance for coming to rescue the situation and reiterate our call to sponsor the noble idea by extending the investigation to the various municipalities in the Mpumalanga province to root out corruption once and for all.
ALSO READ: SIU recovers R58 million from SABC and Sita irregular contracts
'Good news'
Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse said much of the deterioration in municipalities was linked to financial mismanagement and procurement irregularities.
'These in turn give rise to corruption and losses of billions of rands to nefarious activities,' he said.
'We welcome this proclamation. However, there is so much work that is now finding its way into the ambit of the SIU that one wonders if the Treasury will be increasing the budget allocations to this entity, as well as the National Prosecuting Authority to fulfil their respective mandates and hold the many people to account for this misdeed.'
Corruption Watch attorney Nkululeko Conco said the proclamation shows the key roles played by whistleblowers and the need to ensure law enforcement agencies are supported and resourced.
'Once again, it is clear that corruption affects the most vulnerable in society as the proclamation also authorises an investigation into the construction of RDP housing units.'
Mpumalanga's problems
DA member of the Mpumalanga legislature James Masango said the province had been 'plagued by heightened service delivery challenges'.
'We find it concerning that tenders relating to the provision of water and housing development were flagged by the SIU,' he added.
NOW READ: SIU dismisses claims it's conducting audit of marriage certificates of foreigners
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
44 minutes ago
- IOL News
How South Africa's G20 Presidency transforms infrastructure finance in Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa said recently that his US counterpart Donald Trump, has agreed that the US should continue playing a key role in the G20. Image: Supplied/GCIS IN 2025, South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to lead the world's most influential economic forum. This milestone comes at a critical juncture for both the global economy and the African continent. Against the backdrop of widening inequality, climate instability, and calls for more equitable global governance, South Africa's leadership offers an opportunity to reshape international economic priorities through a lens of inclusivity, resilience, and long-term development. Under the theme Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, South Africa has used its presidency to elevate issues that have long defined the Global South — access to infrastructure finance, food security, digital transformation, and institutional reform. With the G20 representing 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP), 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the global population, this platform provides unparalleled leverage to influence how capital flows, how development is financed, and how emerging markets can take a more active role in setting the rules of the global economy. South Africa has set the tone for a presidency driven not by rhetoric but by results. The presidency includes chairing more than 200 meetings of ministers, officials, and international organisations such as the IMF and World Bank, culminating in a summit of Heads of State and Government. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ These engagements are already shaping discourse on sustainable economic recovery, digital infrastructure, climate resilience, and more equitable access to capital. South Africa has used its platform to champion the unique challenges faced by developing economies, particularly in Africa, while pushing for systemic reforms in global economic governance. One of the core priorities for South Africa's G20 presidency is expanding access to capital for infrastructure — a pressing concern not only for South Africa but across the African continent. Africa's infrastructure deficit, estimated at more than $100 billion (R1.8 trillion) a year, continues to hinder growth, integration, and competitiveness. Traditional funding models — reliant on sovereign debt or limited public resources — are insufficient to meet the scale of need. South Africa is advocating for blended finance structures that combine concessional funding from development institutions with private sector investment. These models help reduce investor risk while crowding in private capital for long-term infrastructure projects in transport, energy, water, and telecommunications. The G20 Infrastructure Working Group, under South Africa's chairship, is pushing for reforms that make such finance more accessible, transparent, and catalytic. A key focus has been on improving credit enhancement tools, lowering the cost of capital for African countries, and standardising project preparation processes to improve bankability. South Africa's National Treasury and development finance institutions are leading by example, offering replicable models in renewable energy and logistics. South Africa's ability to lead on financial innovation is underpinned by the strength of its own financial services sector. Recognised globally for its stability and sophistication, the South African banking system is one of the most advanced in emerging markets. Institutions such as Standard Bank, FirstRand, Absa, and Nedbank operate with robust capital buffers, strong governance, and active engagement in infrastructure finance across the continent. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) remains Africa's most liquid capital market, while the country's insurance and pension sectors collectively manage more than R5trln in assets. Regulatory bodies such as the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) and Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) ensure prudential oversight in line with global standards. This mature financial ecosystem positions South Africa not only as a credible G20 partner but also as a financial gateway to Africa. As G20 president, it is championing mechanisms that allow institutional investors to participate more meaningfully in infrastructure development, unlocking a new asset class that delivers both economic and social returns. Another dimension of the G20 presidency's impact lies in the potential it holds for African entrepreneurship. Across the continent, entrepreneurs are building solutions in clean energy, mobility, fintech, agritech, and logistics — often filling gaps left by public infrastructure. Yet access to scale-up capital, exposure to global markets, and integration into value chains remain significant barriers. South Africa's G20 leadership is helping to reposition these innovators as central actors in development. The presidency has promoted inclusive procurement frameworks, G20-backed innovation hubs, and SME-focused financing tools that aim to reduce barriers to entry for African businesses. Through public-private dialogues and policy discussions, the G20, under South Africa's guidance, is highlighting how local entrepreneurs can be integral to infrastructure rollouts —from smart metering in cities to solar microgrids in rural communities. This signals a shift in how the global economy sees African enterprise, not as recipients of aid but as drivers of innovation, employment, and resilience. Agriculture, a lifeline for millions across the continent, is another central theme of South Africa's presidency. With shifting climate patterns and increased food insecurity, the G20 is being mobilised to focus on food systems that are both productive and climate-resilient. South Africa is drawing attention to the dual role its agricultural sector plays — as a food supplier to the region and a testbed for climate-smart technologies. Investments in irrigation, transport logistics, cold chains, and digital platforms for farmers are being showcased as scalable models. The presidency is calling for greater investment in regional food corridors and cross-border agricultural trade to bolster food security. Beyond finance and development, South Africa's G20 presidency is a call for structural reform. The current architecture of global economic governance — from the IMF to credit rating agencies — remains skewed toward the interests and assumptions of high-income countries. South Africa has been vocal in calling for a more balanced and inclusive system. Central to this is the push for IMF quota reform, enabling greater voice and vote for African countries. South Africa is also urging the G20 to examine how international institutions assess environmental and social impacts, particularly in the developing world. Reforms could include more localised frameworks, better representation in decision-making, and stronger mandates to support just transitions. The presidency is facilitating discussions on the division of responsibility between international organisations and member states, with the goal of ensuring that global policies better reflect local realities and development pathways. The benefits of hosting and leading the G20 are not limited to policy influence. They include tangible economic gains for South Africa itself: increased visibility to global investors, enhanced tourism and conferencing activity, and a sharpened diplomatic presence. Moreover, the presidency allows South Africa to spotlight its strategic industries —renewables, financial services, agritech, and manufacturing — and secure stronger bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It is also an opportunity to advance regional priorities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital integration, and cross-border infrastructure development.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
R42m water storage facility installed, but taps run dry in Xanthia village
The DA in the municipality has called on municipal manager Jasper Ngobeni to investigate why the reservoir was not being used. A R42 million water reservoir tank built in Xanthia Village, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 10 years ago has never been used since its completion. This is according to the residents, who confirmed that the construction of the reservoir did not assist in bringing a sustainable water supply to the area. 'It is true we don't regularly get water because it comes out once or twice a week. When the tank was built in our area, we were adamant that our problem was over. Little did we know it would not help,' said a resident who preferred anonymity, fearing reprisal. The issue of the dysfunctional reservoir is not new; it was raised about three years ago, but no action was taken to ensure the facility's operation. SAHRC investigation In 2021, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) investigated why the reservoir was not operational. When responding to the SAHRC questions, the former municipality's technical services manager, Emmanuel Makhavhu, said the water tank was dry due to an illegal water connection where residents connected their pipes to the main line. ALSO READ: Outrage over Limpopo council's R3 million Warmbaths conference The DA in the municipality has called on Municipal Manager Jasper Ngobeni to investigate why the reservoir was not being used. 'Presently, the municipality has a water supply shortfall of around 47 megalitres of water per day. The DA finds it completely unacceptable that the municipality wasted millions of taxpayers' money on something that brought no benefit to the residents of Xanthia,' said DA councillor Canuel Mnisi. Bushbuckridge municipal spokesperson Fhumulani Thovhakale did not say when the tank was going to start operating, but denied that the municipality had spent money on the project. 'The provincial department of human settlements bought the water storage tank in question as part of its municipal support programme, and the Rand Water Board installed it at Xanthia village. 'The department of human settlements requested the municipality to identify areas with bulk and water reticulations but without sufficient storage of water capacity.'
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
‘Declare Limpopo a GBV disaster zone'
Thohoyandou police station registered the most number of rapes and sexual offences in the country. Limpopo must be declared a gender-based violence disaster zone, says the ANC Women's League. This is after a large number of contact crimes such as rape, murder and sexual harassment were registered in different police stations across the province in the fourth quarter of 2024/25. The province's Thohoyandou police station has been branded the rape capital of South Africa after it registered the most number of rapes and sexual offences in the country. Despite the fourth quarter crime statistics revealing a decrease in contact crimes, Limpopo recorded 105 cases including murder, assault GBH, rape, robbery and theft. The second biggest political party in the Limpopo provincial legislature, the DA, said Thohoyandou was in the top 30 stations for all contact crimes, where it ranked 15th. The station also appeared in the top 30 stations for various crimes 13 times. 'Thohoyandou is most often against the downward trend of a specific crime category in Limpopo, with increases in assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm [GBH], common assault and common robbery. 'Urgent high-level intervention is required as the SA Police Service (Saps) is losing the battle against crime in Thohoyandou,' DA provincial spokesperson for transport and community safety Marie Helm said. GBV crisis Helm, who doubles up as a member of the Limpopo legislature in Lebowakgomo, said Thohoyandou ranked first nationally for reported sexual offences and rape, Seshego police station 13th and Mankweng 18th in the top 30 stations for sexual offences. She said the per capita chances of being raped in Limpopo was above the national average and was indicative of persistent misguided efforts to instil a lack of zero tolerance for gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F) in the society, as well as a lack of resources and experienced investigating officers. Provincial deputy speaker for the Limpopo legislature and secretary of the ANC Women's League in the province, Tebogo Mamorobela, pleaded with Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba to declare Limpopo a gender-based violence disaster zone. She said defenceless women and children were abused on a daily basis. Mamorobela added that the level of crime in Limpopo has reached a boiling point and the government and communities must join forces to win the war against it. No place for criminals Transport and community safety MEC Violet Mathye said there was no place for criminals, especially those who prey on defenceless women and children in her government. The MEC was speaking during a visit to the family of slain Ndzalamo Mlondobozi, who died after her live-in lover allegedly ran over her with a car. No arrests have been made and police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said investigations were still underway. ALSO READ: Alleged GBV victim laid to rest but still no arrest 'We have launched a war against crime, especially against the terrorists who lash out at our innocent women and children,' Mathye said. 'That is why our government, under the stewardship of our premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba is here today. We are here to provide support and pay our condolences to the family. 'We promise that no one is above the law and we will do everything and anything in our power to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrator in this case is made to face the law, come high or low water.' On the rape and murder heightened statistics, Matye said Thohoyandou police station was the entry and exit of all African people from the Southern African Development Community countries into South Africa through the Beit Bridge border post. Without revealing the budget, Mathye said funds had been allocated and set aside to build more police stations and satellite police stations in the Vhembe region this financial year. 'We believe the more police stations we have in that region, the lower the statistics will be,' Mathye said. NOW READ: Senior NPA official denied bail in Limpopo case involving repeated child rape
