The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta) is taking credit for the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU’s) probe into its affairs and the disbursement of millions of rand in discretionary grant funding.

The SIU investigation was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa and is expected to zoom in on 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, whose annual budget is over R735 million for 2025/26, is expected to disburse R446m in discretionary grants in the current financial year.

It has welcomed the presidential proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate certain historical matters related to the entity.

According to Chieta, the probe is the direct result of a proactive step it took.

“In 2019, in line with our commitment to ethical governance and accountability, Chieta commissioned an independent forensic investigation into concerns related to past procurement processes,” the sector education and training authority explained.

It added that this included the procurement of information technology and audit services.

“The organisation subsequently submitted the findings to the SIU and, in 2021, opened a criminal case involving a former employee, with a board directive to recover misappropriated funds,” the entity said.

Chieta indicated that this demonstrated its values in action, accountability, transparency, and respect for its public mandate.

“Our strong governance culture has since been affirmed through consistent clean audits and a 100% performance rating from the Auditor-General.

“We wish to assure stakeholders and the public that the investigation does not relate to current leadership or programmes,” stated Chieta.

The authority also gave assurances that its work, including the national rollout of Smart Skills Centres, will continue uninterrupted and aligned with its vision for inclusive skills development.

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.

Additionally, the corruption-busting unit will look into the procurement of, or contracting for information, and communications technology services and auditing services by or on behalf of Chieta and payments made.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za

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