The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is investigating procurement practices at Great North Transport (GNT) after the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo lodged concerns about a new electronic ticketing system, the party said this week. The probe into the troubled state-owned bus company was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa about 18 months ago, according to the DA.
Allegations centre on ticketing supplier links and repeated use of technicians
DA Member of the Provincial Legislature Jacques Smalle said the party referred specific allegations that the procurement process for the ticketing system may have involved corruption and fronting. Smalle asserted there had been limited formal communication about work performed by the service provider despite payments of "millions of rand" in public funds.
"The DA in Limpopo has referred allegations concerning GNT’s procurement of a new electronic ticketing system to the SIU, while demanding an update on the SIU’s wide-ranging investigation into corruption and maladministration at the troubled entity," the DA said in a statement reported this week.
Smalle told WE NEWS the DA has been given information suggesting that ticketing service providers "may not be wholly independent and that directors or owners of companies involved may be individuals from within GNT". He added the same technicians involved in previous GNT ticketing systems appear to be used again to install the new machines, a detail the DA says raises concerns about impartiality and possible fronting.
Mounting costs and repeated bailouts
The DA highlighted GNT’s long-running financial problems, saying almost R1 billion had failed to stabilise the entity. Despite that, GNT is reportedly seeking a further R198.8 million. The party wants the SIU to examine whether the procurement process for the ticketing system was above board and whether maladministration has contributed to persistent losses.
According to the DA, the SIU investigation authorised by the President covers multiple procurement and maladministration matters, including possible unlawful conduct, losses of public money and corruption. The DA has asked for an update on progress and outcomes.
What the DA is asking the SIU to examine
- Whether the ticketing service providers were independent and free of links to GNT personnel or to the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA);
- Whether procurement procedures were followed and whether controls were sufficient; and
- Whether payments to service providers represented value for money or resulted in losses to the provincial fiscus.
The DA said it remained concerned the SIU had not provided formal communications about the work done by the service provider, despite significant public expenditure. The party's statement called for clarity and accountability before more public money is committed to the bus operator.
Public interest and practical impact
GNT provides commuter bus services that many residents across Limpopo depend on to travel to work, school and health services. Continued instability in the entity threatens service continuity for commuters and could require further provincial bailouts if the SIU or other oversight bodies find irregularities that resulted in financial losses.
For commuters and taxpayers seeking clarity, the DA has demanded that the SIU provide an update on the status of its wide-ranging investigation into GNT. The party argues that transparency on procurement and spending is essential to restoring public confidence.
Data at a glance
| Item | Amount/Status |
|---|---|
| Previous bailouts or support cited by DA | Almost R1 billion |
| Additional funding requested by GNT | R198.8 million |
| SIU authorisation | Authorised by the President ~18 months ago (per DA) |
The SIU has broad powers to investigate corruption, maladministration and unlawful conduct in state institutions, and its involvement signals the seriousness of the allegations. The DA says it seeks not only accountability but also concrete outcomes that will protect commuters and taxpayers.
WE NEWS asked the SIU and GNT for comment but had not received a response by publication. The DA said it will press for regular updates and full transparency as the investigation proceeds.
This developing story has implications for provincial governance and the delivery of public transport in Limpopo. Residents who rely on GNT services will be watching closely for the SIU’s findings and any steps the provincial government takes in response.
