Mahikeng — The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate alleged corruption and irregularities surrounding a R150.4 million road maintenance contract awarded by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads, the unit said on Friday.
Scope of the probe
The probe follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of Proclamation 340 of 2026, which authorises the SIU to investigate alleged maladministration, fraud and irregular expenditure at the provincial department. The contract under scrutiny covers the 58km maintenance project for Road P152/1 between Setlagole and Delareyville, issued under bid number PWR 89/13.
“The SIU will investigate whether the procurement process, contracting and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost‑effective; contrary to applicable legislation,”
said SIU national spokesperson Selby Makgotho.
What the SIU will examine
The SIU said its investigation will target procurement and contracting for goods, works or services related to the tender. Key lines of enquiry include whether:
- the procurement process complied with legislation, Treasury instructions and the department’s policies;
- payments and contracting were fair, competitive and cost‑effective; and
- there was improper or unlawful conduct by officials, employees, agents, service providers or other persons that resulted in undue benefit.
The probe will also seek to identify any fraud, unauthorised expenditure, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and will explore civil remedies to recover losses for the state.
Timeframe and legal powers
The SIU said the inquiry will cover the period from 9 March 2021 to 28 August 2026, the date the proclamation was published. Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996), the SIU may institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or High Court and take measures to recover funds if wrongdoing is established.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contract value | R150.4 million |
| Road | P152/1 (Setlagole–Delareyville) |
| Bid number | PWR 89/13 |
| Investigation period | 9 March 2021 – 28 August 2026 |
Local implications
Road P152/1 links farming communities and small towns in the province’s interior. Any irregularities in a major maintenance contract can delay repairs and affect transport costs for farmers, small businesses and commuters who rely on safe access to markets, clinics and schools.
Residents of Setlagole and Delareyville already navigate pothole‑ridden sections in wet weather; delays to maintenance can raise vehicle repair bills and risk accidents. A clear, speedy investigation — and recovery of any misspent public funds — would be important to restore service delivery and public trust.
What happens next
- The SIU will scrutinise procurement records, contracts and payments linked to PWR 89/13.
- If evidence of wrongdoing is found, the SIU can launch civil proceedings and seek to recover funds through the Special Tribunal or High Court.
- Officials, service providers or others implicated could face administrative or civil liabilities; criminal exposure would be pursued by law enforcement agencies where appropriate.
The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has not yet published a detailed response to the proclamation. Public statements from the department and any affected contractors will be closely watched as the inquiry proceeds.
This probe adds to a series of high‑profile SIU investigations into provincial procurement nationally and underscores continuing scrutiny of how provincial departments manage large infrastructure contracts. For communities dependent on these roads, the priority will be prompt, transparent action to fix defects and ensure future contracts deliver value for money.
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