BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has officially launched a comprehensive investigation into Free State Education projects and the Greater Kokstad Municipality following new executive authorizations. This expanded SIU investigation aims to uncover systemic maladministration, unlawful conduct, and irregular expenditure within the provincial education department and the local municipality’s procurement processes, signaling a renewed push for governmental accountability.
Scrutiny on Free State School Construction
The probe into the Free State Department of Education was formally authorized after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 325 of 2026. According to the SIU, the investigation will thoroughly review all procurement and contracting processes for construction services executed by or on behalf of the department. The scope of this review spans from 1 March 2014 up to the date the proclamation was signed.
A central focus of the inquiry will be identifying any unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the broader State. Specifically, the SIU will zero in on projects linked to three educational institutions: Caleb Motshabi (formerly Thuto Ke Thebe) Primary School, Malebogo Primary School, and Tlholo Primary School.
Furthermore, the corruption-busting unit will assess whether all procurement activities adhered to applicable national legislation, National and Provincial Treasury regulations, and the department’s internal procurement policies. The probe will also examine any irregular, unlawful, or improper actions by department officials, employees, service providers, or associated entities, including any related conduct tied to the same contracts or individuals uncovered during the inquiry.
Expanded Probe into Greater Kokstad Local Municipality
In a parallel move, the President has signed a notice amending Proclamation 244 of 2025, which pertains to the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality. The original proclamation, gazetted on 31 January 2025, initially tasked the SIU with investigating the procurement of goods, works, or services by the municipality, as well as any payments made in a manner lacking fairness, equity, transparency, competition, or cost-effectiveness. It also covered improper conduct by municipal officials, employees, suppliers, and service providers.
The newly signed amendment significantly extends the investigation’s timeline. The probe will now commence from 5 June 2020, rather than the previously set date of 1 January 2022, and will continue until the publication date of the amended proclamation.
This extended timeline brings specific municipal bids under the microscope, including:
- Bid GKM 19-22/23: The appointment of a service provider to supply and renew software licenses for a three-year period.
- Bid GKM 16-22/23: The appointment of a service provider to deliver a customer care and IT service desk solution, also for a three-year term.
Additionally, the amendment broadens the investigative scope to encompass two further contracts:
- Bid GKM 43-19/20: The supply and delivery of desktop computers and laptops.
- Bid GKM 14-20/21: The supply and renewal of software licenses.
SIU’s Mandate to Recover State Losses
The SIU reiterated its core mandate to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure, unlawful conduct, and any linked corruption or fraud. A primary objective of these probes is the recovery of financial losses suffered by the State.
Operating under the powers granted by Act No. 74 of 1996, the SIU is fully empowered to investigate matters referred directly by the President. Should the investigations uncover wrongdoing, the unit is authorized to institute civil proceedings in either the Special Tribunal or the High Court to rectify the misconduct. Ultimately, the SIU remains committed to reclaiming any state funds lost to acts of fraud, corruption, maladministration, or other unlawful activities identified throughout these ongoing investigations.
