The eThekwini Municipality has come under scrutiny from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) who are working on recovering any losses suffered by the state following allegations of corruption and maladministration in relation to the City’s RDP and low-income housing programme.
The SIU launched its investigation after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the unit to unleash all its legislative powers to subpoena bank statement and cellphone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses, under oath, in a quest to hold those responsible to account for their actions. The investigation will probe maladministration in the affairs of the council in respect of the alienation by or on behalf of the municipality of immovable property for the provision of housing through the city’s Human Settlements Infill Housing Programme, which alienation was contrary to manuals, policies or practices.
The SIU said the investigation will also focus on the transfer or sale of vacant properties by developers appointed by the municipality for purpose of its Human Settlements Infill Housing Programme in breach of the developers’ contractual obligations; and contrary to the objectives of the Municipality’s housing programme. Furthermore, the SIU will investigate all payments made by the municipality in respect of the allegations stipulated above in a manner that is not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost effective.
“The investigations will focus on transactions that took place between 12 October 2012 and 1 April 2021 or prior to October 2012 and after 1 April but relevant to, connected with people, entities or contracts that are being investigated,” reads the statement. The investigation will also probe municipal officials and the developers in question or any other person or entity to have “corruptly or unduly benefitted” from the “unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the state”.
