South Africa’s fight against corruption has received a significant boost, as reports from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) reveal that it has successfully recovered more than R8 billion for the government during the last financial year.
This achievement, disclosed by SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, stands as a testament to the sustained efforts and commitment of the unit in tackling corruption, maladministration, and malpractice across various government departments.
On Tuesday, Kganyago highlighted the remarkable financial recoveries as the SIU embarks on a mission to not only reclaim misappropriated funds but also prevent further losses that jeopardise the country’s resources. “This is a significant win for the South African government and serves as a clear indication of our dedication to combating graft in all its forms,” he stated.
Among the recoveries, a record cash amount of R2.28 billion was recovered, marking the highest in the institution's 27-year history.
Beyond this, the SIU successfully prevented an estimated R2.32 billion in potential losses to the state, facilitating further agreements which secured R1.6 billion in cash through acknowledgements of debt and admissions of liability.
“In our pursuit of rectifying irregular administrative decisions, we have set aside contracts worth over R2.13 billion through the Special Tribunal and the High Court of South Africa.
“In our pursuit of rectifying irregular administrative decisions, the SIU successfully set aside contracts worth over R2.13 billion through the Special Tribunal and the High Court of South Africa. This legal action ensures that public funds are recovered, not squandered, and redirected to serve their intended public purposes. This achievement underscores the SIU's ongoing commitment to fighting corruption, maladministration, malpractice and safeguarding state assets, “he said
Kganyago added that most of the financial recoveries stemmed from investigations into major state-owned enterprises, with notable figures emerging from Transnet, Eskom, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Specific recoveries include R710.1 million from Transnet, R500 million from Eskom, and R191 million from NSFAS as of the close of the 2023/24 financial year.
The SIU also reported extensive success in its medico-legal investigations, which accounted for approximately R1.98 billion in prevented losses, as unethical claims against state health departments continue to notably exploit the system.
In August, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi outlined the ongoing issues with unscrupulous lawyers and advocates attempting to defraud the state through fraudulent medico-legal claims.
“The SIU has revealed that some legal practitioners have been targeting provincial Departments of Health, sometimes with the assistance of state health practitioners,” Motsoaledi remarked, indicating a troubling trend that has cascaded over several years and prompted the SIU to conduct comprehensive investigations on such claims dating back to 2017.
With investigations still ongoing, it is anticipated that further financial recoveries will ensue as the SIU remains resolute in its mission to restore integrity and accountability to South Africa’s public service sector. “We urge all South Africans to join us in this crucial fight against corruption," Kganyago added, calling for a collective effort in safeguarding state resources for the benefit of all citizens.
While addressing members of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development from
the Parliament of South Africa on the SIU's 2023/24 Annual Report, SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi highlighted the significant role of investigations in entities such as Transnet, Eskom and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as the most significant contributors to these recoveries while also indicating that the SIU has signed various MOUs with government entities to probe lifestyle audits.
“In our continued effort to enhance accountability and prevention of corruption, the SIU has expanded its capacity through secondment agreements to conduct lifestyle audits within government and state-owned entities.
Over the course of the year, lifestyle audits were conducted at PRASA, the Gauteng Office of the Premier, and the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport.
Saturday Star