President Authorises SIU Investigation into Theewaterskloof Municipality

Posted 21 August 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Municipal Governance & Public Procurement

Brought to you by SAnews: President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, and unlawful expenditure at Theewaterskloof Local Municipality.

In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, No. 74 of 1996, the proclamation empowers the SIU to probe procurement irregularities, recover public funds through the Special Tribunal, and refer criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority.

Scope of the Investigation

The investigation focuses on the procurement of, contracting for, and payments related to goods, works, services, or leases for the supply, delivery, and installation of 14 backup electricity generators for boreholes and water pump stations during the 2022/23 financial year.

The mandate covers conduct occurring between 1 October 2022 and 21 August 2026 across the following municipal areas:

  • Grabouw
  • Greyton
  • Caledon
  • Villiersdorp
  • Botrivier
  • Genadendal
  • Tesselaarsdal
  • Riviersonderend

The SIU will evaluate whether procurement processes complied with section 217 of the Constitution and relevant National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations, circulars, and supply chain management guidelines, or whether irregular payments were facilitated by municipal officials or contracted service providers.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Municipal compliance officers and legal advisors must ensure strict adherence to National Treasury circulars and section 217 procurement requirements when drafting or reviewing local government contracts.
  • For your business: Engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and contractors holding municipal tenders in the Western Cape should audit their 2022/23 procurement records and tender submissions for statutory compliance in anticipation of SIU subpoenas or Special Tribunal clawback actions.
  • For your clients: Municipalities and contracting commercial entities facing SIU scrutiny should immediately conduct internal governance reviews, prepare evidentiary trails of bid evaluations, and assess exposure to civil asset-recovery proceedings.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/siu-probe-theewaterskloof-local-municipality

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