The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has revealed that it has recovered over R569 million in cash and assets during a 13-year investigation into corruption and maladministration within the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Briefing Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Wednesday, SIU spokesperson Zodwa Xesibe provided a breakdown of the figures, saying: “Actual cash or assets recovered stands at R569.1 million since 2012. In addition, potential cash and assets to be recovered amount to R264.1 million.”
Xesibe noted that R1.1 billion has also been ring-fenced in connection with irregular contracts and questionable administrative decisions uncovered during the probe.
“Potential loss prevented is R717 million,” she added. “The total value of matters referred for the institution or defence of civil proceedings now stands at R6.2 billion.”
The SIU is also actively investigating allegations of maladministration in eThekwini's water and sanitation services. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation earlier this year authorising a full-scale inquiry into the metro’s water governance amid growing concerns about service delivery failures and financial mismanagement.
The SIU continues its efforts to root out corruption and recover public funds lost to irregular dealings in the sector.