The President of Republic of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised a full-blown investigation into the affairs of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM).
The move follows years of allegations of corruption, maladministration and irregular expenditure linked to infrastructure projects in the metro.
The municipality and its development agency have repeatedly come under fire for questionable procurement processes and projects that have failed to deliver value for public money.
According to a statement issued by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the probe is contained in Proclamation 350 of 2026 signed by the President on 18 September 2026.
The SIU said it has been directed to investigate six projects under the municipality and its entity, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency (BCMDA).
The projects under investigation include the Mdantsane NU2 Swimming Pool Project, the appointment of First New Generation Trading (Pty) Ltd for the demolition of existing walls, the appointment of Lefito Trading, trading as Kuyasa Electrical Contractors for the removal of the Donkin wall and palisade installation, as well as consulting engineer services and the main contractor for the Water World Project.
Furthermore, SIU emphasised that the investigation would cover conduct that took place between 01 January 2016 and 18 September 2026.
“The SIU will investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by employees of the municipality and BCMDA, and the unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property,” the SIU said.
It added that it will also examine any unlawful irregular or unapproved acquisitive act involving State property, as well as any intentional or negligent loss of public money.
The SIU further stated that it will probe whether payments made in connection with the projects were not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective, or were contrary to applicable legislation.
According to the unit, it is mandated to identify any financial losses suffered by the State and to recover such losses where appropriate.
The SIU said in terms of the SIU Act, it will refer any evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action and is authorised to institute civil proceedings in the High Court or the Special Tribunal to correct wrongdoing and recover losses.
Courtesy of IMAGES: GroundUp
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