/ 30 July 2014

Zuma orders probing of state bodies for corruption

Allegations include improper and unlawful conduct by Sapo officials.
Allegations include improper and unlawful conduct by Sapo officials.

President Jacob Zuma has asked the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe a number of institutions for maladministration and corruption, his spokesperson Mac Maharaj said on Wednesday.

The entities to be investigated are the South African Post Office (Sapo), the State Information Technology Agency (Sita), the Greater Tubatse local municipality and Vhembe district municipality in Limpopo, and the national departments of labour, public works and transport.

“While not pre-judging these cases, the proclamations are part of the drive to fight, eradicate and prevent corruption and maladministration at all levels of government and state-owned enterprises,” Maharaj said.

Regarding the national departments and local municipalities, the SIU is to look into allegations of improper or unlawful conduct of staff, unlawful appropriation or expenditure and unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitions involving state property.

It will investigate intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property and alleged corruption.

At Sapo, the unit will investigate alleged irregular conduct by board members. The Sita investigation is to focus on, among others, allegations of maladministration and unlawful or improper conduct by officials.

“Full details relating to the directives issued to the SIU are contained in the relevant proclamations that will be gazetted on Friday 1 August 2014,” said Maharaj. – Sapa