Ramaphosa
By Thobeka Makume
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed two new proclamations authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to launch thorough investigations into alleged corruption, maladministration, and irregularities within the Housing Development Agency (HDA), all provincial departments of human settlements, and the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA). These probes form part of Ramaphosa’s ongoing campaign to eradicate corruption in public institutions, with the SIU tasked not only to uncover wrongdoing but also to recover any financial losses suffered by the State
Background: Key Institutions Under Scrutiny
The SIU, South Africa’s premier anti-corruption agency, is stepping in to address mismanagement in critical public entities. The HDA plays a pivotal role in housing development, a pressing need in a country where millions still live in informal settlements due to a severe housing shortage. Provincial human settlements departments are responsible for delivering homes to communities, making their integrity essential for tackling this crisis. Meanwhile, CHIETA oversees education and training in the chemical industries sector, a vital contributor to economic growth and job creation. Corruption in these institutions undermines service delivery and economic progress.
Scope of Investigations: Land, Grants, and Procurement
The SIU’s investigations into the HDA and provincial human settlements departments will focus on three key areas: land transactions, grant allocations, and procurement practices. The probe will examine whether land designated for residential or community development—whether owned by the HDA, managed on behalf of provinces, or held by the departments—was subject to corrupt or non-compliant dealings. This includes checking if procurement and contracting processes were fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, and cost-effective, as required by law and Treasury guidelines. The SIU will also investigate unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure and any misappropriation of funds.
For CHIETA, the investigation centres on discretionary grant funding. The SIU will assess whether officials or employees had undisclosed or unauthorised interests in entities receiving these grants and whether they personally benefited from such allocations. This scrutiny aims to ensure that public funds intended for skills development were used appropriately.
Time Period and Objectives
The investigations cover allegations of unlawful and improper conduct from 1 January 2016 to 13 June 2025, as well as related activities before and after this period that involve the same individuals, entities, or contracts. Beyond identifying culprits and recovering misappropriated funds, the SIU seeks to pinpoint systemic weaknesses and recommend measures to prevent future losses, reinforcing Ramaphosa’s vision of a cleaner, more accountable government.
History of Corruption in South Africa’s Public Sector
Corruption has long plagued South Africa’s public sector, with its effects keenly felt in service delivery. The problem intensified during former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure, notably through the state capture scandal, where private interests allegedly manipulated state decisions for profit. This led to billions of rands being diverted from essential services like housing, education, and healthcare. In the housing sector alone, the backlog exceeds 2.3 million homes, a crisis worsened by funds being siphoned off through corrupt practices. Similarly, mismanagement in skills development bodies like CHIETA hampers efforts to equip South Africans for employment in key industries.
The Role of the SIU: Successes and Challenges
Since its inception in 1996, the SIU has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s anti-corruption efforts. It has recovered substantial sums, such as R2 billion from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and exposed R16 billion in irregular spending at the Department of Water and Sanitation. Yet, the agency grapples with limited funding, staffing shortages, and political interference, challenges that test its ability to deliver justice. Despite these hurdles, the SIU remains a vital instrument in Ramaphosa’s anti-corruption arsenal.
Specific Allegations Leading to Proclamations
While precise details remain undisclosed, the proclamations likely stem from reports of serious irregularities. In the housing sector, suspicions may include land intended for public housing being sold to private developers at undervalued rates or contracts awarded to politically connected firms without proper tenders. For CHIETA, concerns likely revolve around discretionary grants being funnelled to entities linked to officials, suggesting conflicts of interest or embezzlement. These allegations highlight the need for rigorous oversight.
Political Impact: A Test for Ramaphosa
With elections approaching, these investigations could significantly influence South Africa’s political landscape. Success in exposing corruption and securing convictions could strengthen Ramaphosa’s leadership and affirm his anti-corruption commitment, boosting the African National Congress (ANC). However, failure to deliver results might embolden opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who have long criticised the ANC’s handling of corruption.
International Perspective: Restoring Confidence
Globally, South Africa’s corruption challenges have dented its reputation, causing it to slip in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Foreign investors and aid organisations have grown cautious, wary of a business environment tainted by graft. By empowering the SIU, Ramaphosa aims to signal a commitment to reform, potentially unlocking investment and aid if these efforts bear fruit.
Human Impact: Stories from the Ground
The toll of corruption is starkly personal. In informal settlements like Diepsloot, families like Thandiwe Mokoena’s endure years on housing waiting lists while officials prosper. “We’ve waited over a decade for a house,” she said. “It’s not fair.” In education, Sipho Ndlovu, a CHIETA grant recipient, noted, “Many miss out because of corruption. It’s heartbreaking.”
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