- President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption in a street light installation tender by the Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Free State, aiming to enforce transparency in municipal contracts.
- The investigation targets accusations of financial misconduct, inflated costs, and favoritism, and will scrutinize the entire project from procurement to execution. If criminal activity is found, cases may be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
- This probe reflects Ramaphosa’s ongoing commitment to combating corruption, as the government seeks to restore public trust and ensure taxpayer funds are properly allocated to community services.
In a decisive move to address allegations of corruption, President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe a contentious street light installation tender awarded by the Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Free State. The directive, formalized through a presidential proclamation, empowers the SIU to investigate potential irregularities in the tender’s award and implementation, aiming to enforce transparency and accountability in municipal contracts.
The probe focuses on accusations that the street lighting project, intended to enhance public infrastructure and safety, may have been tainted by financial misconduct, including possible fraud and favoritism. Reports suggest inflated project costs and substandard service delivery, with some alleging favoritism in the tendering process. The SIU will review the full scope of the contract, from its procurement process to the project’s execution, scrutinizing any financial transactions and agreements involved.
Dihlabeng Local Municipality, which includes Bethlehem, Clarens, and Fouriesburg, has faced criticism for mismanaging several projects, including consistent power outages, water disruptions, and deteriorating roads. Residents have voiced concerns about misallocated funds and questioned the quality of the street lighting project, initially meant to improve public safety by illuminating poorly lit areas.
This investigation aligns with President Ramaphosa’s anti-corruption drive, a hallmark of his administration. By enabling the SIU to examine municipal-level contracts, Ramaphosa signals a zero-tolerance stance toward corruption that has hampered local development and eroded public trust. Under his leadership, SIU-led probes have uncovered significant malfeasance in municipalities, leading to disciplinary actions, canceled contracts, and even criminal charges.
As part of the investigation, the SIU will engage with Dihlabeng officials, contractors, and other stakeholders. Any evidence of criminal wrongdoing or breaches of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for possible prosecution. The probe could result in disciplinary action or even financial recoveries for misappropriated funds.
The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by South Africans as a test of the government’s resolve to root out corruption at the local level. For many citizens, this case reflects Ramaphosa’s broader mission to restore public confidence and ensure taxpayer funds are allocated to community benefit. The SIU is expected to conduct a thorough and transparent inquiry over the coming months, a step toward rebuilding trust in local governance.
