Latest news with #SpecialInvestigatingUnit
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Chieta welcomes SIU investigation into discretionary grant funding
The Special Investigating Unit is probing fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration at the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority. Image: Supplied The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta) is taking credit for the Special Investigating Unit's (SIU's) probe into its affairs and the disbursement of millions of rand in discretionary grant funding. The SIU investigation was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa and is expected to zoom in on the allocation of discretionary grant funding to entities in which Chieta employees or officials may have had undisclosed or unauthorised interests and the extent of any benefit derived by the employees or officials. Chieta, whose annual budget is over R735 million for 2025/26, is expected to disburse R446m in discretionary grants in the current financial year. It has welcomed the presidential proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate certain historical matters related to the entity. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ According to Chieta, the probe is the direct result of a proactive step it took. 'In 2019, in line with our commitment to ethical governance and accountability, Chieta commissioned an independent forensic investigation into concerns related to past procurement processes,' the sector education and training authority explained. It added that this included the procurement of information technology and audit services. 'The organisation subsequently submitted the findings to the SIU and, in 2021, opened a criminal case involving a former employee, with a board directive to recover misappropriated funds,' the entity said. Chieta indicated that this demonstrated its values in action, accountability, transparency, and respect for its public mandate. 'Our strong governance culture has since been affirmed through consistent clean audits and a 100% performance rating from the Auditor-General. 'We wish to assure stakeholders and the public that the investigation does not relate to current leadership or programmes,' stated Chieta. The authority also gave assurances that its work, including the national rollout of Smart Skills Centres, will continue uninterrupted and aligned with its vision for inclusive skills development. The SIU will also probe any losses or actual or potential prejudice suffered by Chieta or the State as a result of such fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration, including the causes of such fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration. Additionally, the corruption-busting unit will look into the procurement of, or contracting for information, and communications technology services and auditing services by or on behalf of Chieta and payments made.
News24
3 days ago
- Business
- News24
Lesufi details progress on lifestyle audits, hijacked buildings and the battle to clean up Gauteng
Gauteng Government Gauteng is the only province to audit all HODs and CEOs, with only two reports still under review according to Lesufi Crime Prevention Wardens, known as Amapanyapanya, support law enforcement in reclaiming crime-prone areas. Lesufi says lifestyle audits help detect fraud, prevent corruption, and build public trust. Premier Panyaza Lesufi faced tough questions in the Gauteng legislature about corruption and crime but remained calm and confident as he laid out the province's progress. From lifestyle audits for top officials to efforts to tackle hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, Lesufi assured members that the government is taking real steps to promote accountability and improve safety. Nomathemba Mokgethi of the ANC posed a hard-hitting question to Premier Lesufi: With reports indicating that 37% of Gauteng's senior officials had failed lifestyle audits, what action would be taken? Furthermore, did the audits reveal who posed the greatest risk among CEOs, heads of departments (HODs) and supply chain managers – and how exactly do these audits help in promoting ethical governance? Lesufi clarified that Gauteng is leading the way nationally, being 'the only province to have conducted lifestyle audits for all HODs and CEOs using state institutions.' 'All HODs and CEOs subjected themselves to the process,' Lesufi said, noting that only four reports flagged issues needing further scrutiny. Two of those cases remain under review by the Special Investigating Unit, and the premier expects finalisation by the end of the quarter. He refuted the 37% failure figure, suggesting that this information was outdated and misleading. Regarding risk profiling, Lesufi revealed that the province has now expanded the audit process to include those in supply chain management (SCM), acknowledging that this function often sits at the centre of procurement controversies. We're now in the middle of lifestyle audits for SCM officials, and once complete, we will compare them with those of HODs. Panyaza Lesufi On the importance of these audits, Lesufi listed a range of benefits, from identifying unexplained wealth and potential conflicts of interest to preventing fraud and strengthening internal controls. 'This isn't just about compliance, it's about fostering a culture of ethical leadership and accountability in public service,' he said, praising the province's Anti-Corruption and Ethics Council for its role in the process. He assured that once the SCM audit concludes, those results too will be made public. CRIME AND HIJACKED BUILDINGS Thabang Nkani, MPL from the Umkhonto weSizwe Party shifted the debate to inner-city crime. He pressed Lesufi on the role of crime prevention wardens (CPWs), colloquially known as Amapanyapanya, in reclaiming hijacked buildings. 'These properties are now crime dens, drug trafficking, extortion, human trafficking, and violent crime are rife. What measurable progress have CPWs made, and how are they being held accountable?' Nkani asked. Lesufi outlined a coordinated approach: The SA Police Service works closely with metros, district municipalities, and the department of social development. A comprehensive plan to tackle hijacked buildings is already in place. Panyaza Lesufi He explained that the police can only intervene once a criminal case is opened—either by the property owner or local authorities. The CPWs, meanwhile, provide operational support, visibility, and manpower during joint operations led by law enforcement. Addressing professionalisation and oversight, Lesufi said the Gauteng department of community safety has already implemented mechanisms including: Oversight for CPWs An internal affairs unit; Targeted oversight initiatives; A culture of proactive accountability; and Alignment with SAPS operational standards. When it comes to formalising CPW employment, Lesufi confirmed that the process is guided by the Public Service Act of 1994 and Public Service Regulations of 2016. Employment equity will also be a key consideration. Finally, he assured that the CPW programme is sustainable, with funding secured through the provincial equitable share over the Medium-Term Framework.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
SIU launches investigation into fraud and corruption at Chieta
The CHIETA SMART Skills Centre Saldanha Bay was opened on 25 October 2022. The Special Investigating Unit is probing fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration at the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority. Image: Supplied The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to launch a probe into fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration in the affairs of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta). President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the investigation into the allocation of discretionary grant funding to entities in which Chieta employees or officials may have had undisclosed or unauthorised interests and the extent of any benefit derived by the employees or officials. Chieta's annual budget for the 2025/26 financial year exceeds R735 million, including R446 million allocated for discretionary grants. According to proclamation, the SIU will also probe any losses or actual or potential prejudice suffered by Chieta or the State as a result of such fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration including the causes of such fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The corruption-busting unit will investigate the procurement and contracting of information and communications technology services, as well as auditing services, on behalf of Chieta, including any payments made. The SIU will determine whether the funds were spent in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective or contrary to applicable legislation, manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by the National Treasury. It will also investigate if the expenditure adhered to manuals, codes, guidelines, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of, or applicable to, Chieta, and any related losses or irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the authority or the State as a result. Irregular, improper or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of Chieta, or any other person or entity, in relation to the allegations is also on the SIU's radar. The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between January 2016 and this month as well as any related activities before 2016 and after the date of the proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities or contracts. The SIU said it is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses beyond investigating maladministration, corruption and fraud. It will also refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action and is authorised to initiate a civil action to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SIU investigates R3. 1 billion in Housing Development Agency deals
The Special Investigating Unit is going after transactions worth hundreds of millions of rand approved by the state-owned Housing Development Agency and eight provincial Human Settlements departments. Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo / Independent Newspapers The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is probing dodgy transactions valued at about R3.1 billion approved by the state-owned Housing Development Agency (HDA) and eight provincial Human Settlements departments since 2016. Several of the HDA's deals now under scrutiny were for the identification, acquisition, holding, development, and release of state, communal, and privately owned land for residential and community purposes by the agency, in its name, or for and on behalf of the provincial departments or by the departments. The provincial Human Settlements departments involved are from the Eastern and Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, and the Northern Cape. According to details of the property sales being probed, the highest amount paid was the R389.1 million spent in Chris Hani in Ekurhuleni for 2,560 serviced residential stands in 2021/22, R279m for land in the City of Tshwane in the 2020/21 financial year, while R213m was paid in the Eagles Nest township transaction also in Ekurhuleni in 2019/20. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Another R195m was for land in Palm Ridge, also in Ekurhuleni, in 2020/21, while the lowest transaction was R120,000 in Theunissen, Masilonyana, in the Free State in 2021/22. Strangely, the three valuations of the land eventually bought for R120,000 ranged between R285,000 and R13.2m. The SIU is investigating any alleged serious maladministration in connection with the agency's affairs and the departments' improper or unlawful conduct by their employees, unlawful expenditure of public money, as well as offences committed in violation of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. The offences include unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public between April 2016 and this year. The corruption-busting unit will also determine whether there was any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by applicable service providers of the agency and departments, or any other person or entity. In addition, the SIU will investigate whether the manner these contracts were entered into was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective and contrary to applicable legislation, manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant provincial Treasury. It will also check if manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of, or applicable to the agency and departments and the related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred or losses suffered by the agency, departments or the State.
eNCA
07-06-2025
- Business
- eNCA
SIU freezes over R20M in assets linked to Transnet contracts
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago JOHANNESBURG - The Special Investigating Unit, working in collaboration with Transnet, has secured a preservation order to freeze more than R20-million worth of assets believed to be linked to irregular property valuation contracts. Awarded between 2019 and 2022 the contracts are worth a combined R89-million. The frozen assets include luxury vehicles such as Porsches and a Mercedes, as well as high-value properties in Johannesburg and Vanderbijlpark.
