SIU Given Mandate to Probe Long-Delayed Free State School Projects

Overview

• The Special Investigating Unit was authorised on Monday to investigate procurement and possible unlawful conduct linked to three Free State primary schools over the period from 1 March 2014 to 13 July 2026.
• Proclamation 325 of 2026, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, directs the SIU to examine Caleb Motshabi (formerly Thuto Ke Thebe), Malebogo and Tlholo primary school projects and any related contracts or persons identified during the probe.
• The SIU will assess compliance with National and Provincial Treasury rules and the department’s procurement policies and will investigate allegations of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure.
• Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act the unit may bring civil cases in the Special Tribunal or High Court and seek recovery of financial losses if it finds corruption, fraud, maladministration or other unlawful conduct.
• The investigation responds to more than a decade of delays on the three school builds and could affect local learners and communities if it leads to recovered funds, contract terminations or renewed work to finish the schools.