SIU To Probe Corruption Allegations, Malpractice At Kwazulu-Natal Film Commission

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to investigate claims of wrongdoing including maladministration, corruption and fraud at the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC).

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation R.4539 last week (March 22), authorizing an investigation into "the procurement of and contracting for suitably qualified companies to partner and invest" with the KZNFC for the development and operation of KZN Studios, SA News reported.

The SIU is also expected to investigate any unauthorized, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure done by KZNFC or the State.

"The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of KZNFC, the applicable suppliers or service providers or any other person or entity," the department said.

According to the department, the Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between July 1, 2017, to March 22, 2024.

However, if the investigation is relevant to, connected with and incidental to the matters or involves the same persons, entities or contracts outside the mentioned period, it will be investigated.

The SIU said it will also "identify system failures and make systematic recommendations" for the commission.

According to the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will forward any evidence of criminal behavior it discovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for additional steps.

Furthermore, under the SIU Act, the SIU has the authority to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to rectify any misconduct identified during its investigation, which may result from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.

Earlier this week, Special Tribunal ordered the German software company SAP to pay half a billion South African rand to the SIU in seven days over "invalid" Eskom contracts.

The government department explained that this order came as a part of "the implementation of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions due to negligence or corruption."

Aside from this, President Ramaphosa last month signed a proclamation authorizing the SIU to investigate the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency over allegations of maladministration and corruption.