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East Cape Owes SIU R119 Million

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Dear Editor

The Eastern Cape faces a staggering challenge in its fight against corruption, with provincial departments and municipalities owing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) over R119 million in unpaid arrears. This failure to settle accounts directly threatens the vital work of the SIU and undermines accountability in the province.

The SIU is mandated to uncover and address corruption within state entities. However, its work is now at risk due to a shocking lack of financial support, further undermining the fight against corruption.

In response to an oral question from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane revealed this alarming debt, which clearly indicates the province’s disinterest in combating systemic corruption.

The failure of Eastern Cape provincial departments and municipalities to settle their SIU accounts is nothing short of an attempt to sabotage the unit’s work. This negligence has tangible consequences. This negligence has tangible consequences.

Among the revelations from Premier Mabuyane are that Buffalo City Municipality owes R11.9 million for investigations into tender irregularities, including:
A R17 million tender awarded to Masiqhame Trading 520 CC for black bags.
A R10 million tender awarded to Imvusa Trading 337 CC for constructing 150 housing structures in Potsdam.

Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Municipality is also culpable, with an outstanding R8.7 million bill for forensic investigations into irregularities during the procurement of PPE amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. These investigations led to criminal charges against City Manager Dr. Noxolo Nqwazi.

Failing to pay for SIU services not only delays justice but also sabotages efforts to expose those responsible for plundering public funds. This apathy is a betrayal of the public trust and an insult to communities awaiting honest governance.

The Democratic Alliance has called on Premier Mabuyane to intervene and ensure these debts are settled without delay. A lack of funding must not be allowed to shield corruption from scrutiny.

South Africa has already witnessed the devastating effects of state capture. Now is the time for government to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating corruption. Supporting the SIU is non-negotiable in restoring ethical governance in the Eastern Cape.

The DA will continue to fight for accountability and ensure that those who undermine justice are held to account. We urge the Premier and all implicated entities to prioritise the financial support of the SIU’s critical work.

Regards

Retief Odendaal MPL
DA Shadow MEC for COGTA

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