Ramaphosa orders SIU probe Mangaung and Gauteng Health as President Cyril Ramaphosa authorises two major investigations into alleged procurement irregularities, maladministration and unlawful expenditure involving the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the Gauteng Department of Health.

The investigations, to be conducted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), will scrutinise municipal contracts, health tenders, procurement procedures and expenditure spanning several years. The move forms part of the government’s broader campaign to strengthen accountability, combat corruption and recover public funds lost through alleged unlawful conduct.

The investigations have been authorised through two separate presidential proclamations, giving the SIU broad powers to examine contracts, financial records, procurement decisions and any misconduct by officials or service providers linked to the transactions.

Cyril Ramaphosa authorises SIU investigations

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 329 of 2026, which empowers the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate nine contracts awarded by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State.

According to the SIU, investigators will determine whether procurement processes complied with legislation, whether officials acted lawfully, and whether public funds were spent appropriately.

The proclamation specifically targets allegations of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure, overpayments and possible unlawful conduct connected to municipal projects and suppliers.

Authorities will also examine whether service providers fulfilled contractual obligations and whether any payments were made for work that was never completed.

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality contracts under scrutiny

The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality investigation covers contracts linked to the establishment and operationalisation of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipal Police.

Investigators will assess whether the municipality complied with procurement laws during the implementation of Provincial Notice No. 124 of 2019 and whether public money was used efficiently.

The SIU will also investigate allegations of supplier overpayments reflected in the municipality’s financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2024.

Several municipal procurement projects will now come under detailed examination, including:

• Branding and marketing services
• Corporate gifts
• Catering services
• Decorative items
• Structural assessments of municipal buildings
• Relocation and upgrading of municipal police offices
• Procurement of eight Toyota Corolla vehicles
• Purchase of a municipal fire truck
• Contractors appointed for the Integrated Public Transport Network

These projects represent significant municipal expenditure, making them central to the SIU’s investigation into possible financial irregularities.

Investigation extends beyond procurement

The SIU confirmed that investigators will also examine unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure recorded in the municipality’s financial registers for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years.

Officials, employees, suppliers and contractors connected to the contracts may all be investigated if evidence suggests unlawful conduct occurred.

The proclamation authorises the SIU to investigate allegations dating back to 1 October 2016 through to 31 July 2026.

Importantly, investigators may also examine related transactions outside this period where evidence suggests payments were made for services that were never delivered.

Gauteng Department of Health tender also under investigation

In a separate proclamation, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised another Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation involving the Gauteng Department of Health tender for voluntary medical male circumcision services.

The investigation centres on Tender No. GT/GDH/099/2018 and all payments made under the agreement.

The SIU will determine whether the procurement process complied with applicable legislation, treasury regulations and departmental procurement policies.

Investigators will also assess whether the tender process met constitutional procurement principles requiring government contracts to be:

• Fair
• Competitive
• Transparent
• Equitable
• Cost-effective

Any deviations from these principles could form part of the investigation.

Procurement compliance under review

The SIU will evaluate whether officials followed National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations throughout the tender process.

Investigators will review procurement manuals, practice notes, circulars, internal policies and other governing documents to determine whether correct procedures were followed.

The health department investigation will also include a review of any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure linked to the tender.

The proclamation authorises investigators to examine transactions between 1 August 2018 and 31 July 2026, while also permitting investigations into related conduct outside those dates if necessary.

SIU powers to recover public funds

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has extensive powers under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act.

Where evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered, the SIU may:

• Institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal
• Approach the High Court
• Recover financial losses suffered by the State
• Apply to have unlawful contracts declared invalid
• Recover money improperly paid to suppliers

Although the SIU does not prosecute criminal offences directly, evidence gathered during investigations may be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) or other law enforcement agencies where criminal conduct is suspected.

The SIU said its mandate includes investigating allegations of serious maladministration, corruption, fraud, unlawful conduct and irregular expenditure involving public institutions.

Why the investigations matter

The investigations highlight government’s continued focus on improving governance and protecting public finances.

Procurement remains one of the areas most vulnerable to corruption and financial abuse within public institutions.

By examining procurement decisions, expenditure records and contract implementation, investigators hope to identify whether taxpayers suffered financial losses and whether those responsible can be held accountable.

For municipalities such as Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, the outcome of the investigation could influence future governance reforms, procurement controls and financial oversight.

Similarly, the Gauteng Department of Health tender investigation may strengthen accountability in provincial health procurement, where billions of rand are spent annually on essential medical services.

Focus on maladministration and irregular expenditure

A recurring theme across both investigations is alleged maladministration and irregular expenditure.

The SIU will assess whether procurement decisions complied with legal requirements and whether officials exercised appropriate oversight.

Where evidence of misconduct is identified, investigators may recommend disciplinary action, civil litigation or referrals for criminal investigation.

Government has repeatedly stated that strengthening procurement oversight is essential to improving public confidence in state institutions and ensuring public funds are used for their intended purposes.

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Conclusion

The decision by Cyril Ramaphosa to authorise these investigations signals another significant step in government efforts to combat corruption and improve accountability within public institutions.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will now examine procurement processes involving the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the Gauteng Department of Health tender, with investigators empowered to scrutinise contracts, recover financial losses and pursue civil action where unlawful conduct is uncovered.

As the investigations unfold, attention will remain focused on whether public procurement processes complied with the law and whether taxpayers’ money was spent responsibly. The findings could have important implications for governance, financial management and public sector accountability across South Africa.