President Signs Proclamation for SIU to Investigate eThekwini Municipality Water Services

In a significant move toward enhancing governmental transparency and accountability, President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted Proclamation 248 of 2025, directing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to delve into the allegations of maladministration in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality's Water and Sanitation Services. This action underscores a serious commitment from the highest levels of government to address and rectify issues affecting essential public services.

The SIU's investigation is set to explore deeply into the provisioning intricacies related to water and sanitation services within the municipality. Particular focus will be accorded to Project Number Y6525AZ1, known as Ablution Blocks—In Situ Upgrade—Infrastructure Sanitation, which concerns facilities provided to human settlements and educational institutions within the municipal boundaries.

Central to the investigation is determining whether contract payments and financial transactions conformed to national treasury guidelines and whether there were occurrences of irregular, wasteful expenditures or consequential financial losses to the department or wider state apparatus. Furthermore, any acts of unlawful conduct by municipal employees or officials, manifesting in improper benefits, will be closely scrutinized.

The broad timeline covered by the investigation spans a decade, from January 1, 2015, to February 14, 2025, inclusive of any pertinent activities before or subsequent to this period that involves the same individuals, entities, or contracts under review. This comprehensive approach ensures all related factors are thoroughly examined for a conclusive evaluation.

Upon the discovery of any criminal conduct through its probe, the SIU is mandated under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to forward such findings to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for possible prosecution. Moreover, the Act empowers the SIU to initiate civil actions either in the High Court or a Special Tribunal, aimed at redressing any injustices or recover losses incurred through corruption, fraud, or any form of maladministration.

Apart from spotlighting individual cases of malfeasance, the SIU's investigation intends to unearth any systemic failures, providing a base for robust recommendations to mitigate similar issues in the future, thereby enhancing the efficiency and integrity of public service delivery in South Africa’s significant urban centers like eThekwini.