Special Investigating Unit Launches Probe into Limpopo Department of Sports
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has officially initiated an investigation into the Limpopo Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, focusing on serious allegations concerning procurement practices within the department.
The inquiry will examine claims that the contracting for security services was executed in a manner that lacked fairness, competitiveness, transparency, equity, and cost-effectiveness.
This alleged misconduct is said to contravene applicable legislation, policies, and circulars, resulting in unauthorized, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure by the department.
Furthermore, the SIU will investigate potential maladministration linked to the irregular appointment of staff across five districts: Waterberg, Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Capricorn, and Mopani.
Specific attention will be given to the hiring process for the position of Assistant Director: Assets Management, as outlined in Circular 7 of 2016.
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The investigation include payments that were not due or owing, as well as funds disbursed for services that were allegedly not rendered.
The probe will also encompass financial activities related to the 2016/17 financial year, particularly the Mapungubwe Arts, Culture, and Heritage Festival.
The SIU’s proclamation covers allegations of maladministration and improper conduct that have reportedly occurred between January 1, 2011, and October 4, 2024.
It will also take into account any relevant activities preceding January 1, 2011, and following the proclamation date.
The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo has welcomed the recent announcement of a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation.
“All corruption and maladministration must be dealt with as soon as possible, and the culprits must be brought to justice. The people of Limpopo deserve clean governance and ethical leadership.”
The DA says the investigation will reveal long awaited information about a period where there had been suspicion and allegations of corrupt activities in the department.
“Infact in 2017, a draft report of Limpopo’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) had recommended that the Provincial Treasury must appoint a forensic investigation into all income and expenditure into the 2017 Mapungubwe Arts Festival.” read statement
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) chairperson, Lawrence Mapulo and Democratic Alliance (DA) MPL, Franco Marx say the alleged corrupt activities have resulted in the department losing millions of rand.
“As the EFF we are very shocked but we are not shocked. We have been saying this all along and we will be relieved when people are being arrested and have been shown the door. We want SIU to recover all the money that was spent irregularly,” explains Mapulo.
Special Investigating Unit Launches Probe into Limpopo Department of Sports