The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to launch a probe into fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration in the affairs of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the investigation into the allocation of discretionary grant funding to entities in which Chieta employees or officials may have had undisclosed or unauthorised interests and the extent of any benefit derived by the employees or officials.

Chieta’s annual budget for the 2025/26 financial year exceeds R735 million, including R446 million allocated for discretionary grants. 

According to proclamation, the SIU will also probe any losses or actual or potential prejudice suffered by Chieta or the State as a result of such fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration including the causes of such fraud, corruption, irregularities, malpractices or maladministration.

The corruption-busting unit will investigate the procurement and contracting of information and communications technology services, as well as auditing services, on behalf of Chieta, including any payments made. 

The SIU will determine whether the funds were spent in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective or contrary to applicable legislation, manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by the National Treasury.

It will also investigate if the expenditure adhered to manuals, codes, guidelines, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of, or applicable to, Chieta, and any related losses or irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the authority or the State as a result.

Irregular, improper or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of Chieta, or any other person or entity, in relation to the allegations is also on the SIU’s radar.

The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between January 2016 and this month as well as any related activities before 2016 and after the date of the proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities or contracts.

The SIU said it is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses beyond investigating maladministration, corruption and fraud.

It will also refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action and is authorised to initiate a civil action to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za

Source link