The SIU was established by the President in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunal Act, Act no. 74 of 1996 (SIU Act) to investigate corruption and maladministration in the public sector. It is an independent statutory body that is accountable to the President and Parliament in terms of its activities. The SIU’s primary mandate is to recover and prevent financial losses to the state caused by acts of corruption, fraud and maladministration. The SIU can only investigate when the President has issued a proclamation authorising such an investigation. SIU has the power to investigate, litigate (civil matters) and refer matters (criminal and disciplinary) to other state agencies. These other agencies can arrest or prosecute matters of a criminal nature and they include the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Services (SAPS). Since 2001, the President has issued 85 proclamations mandating the Unit to conduct investigations into national, provincial and state-owned entities (70 proclamations plus 15 extensions). Currently, there are 25 ongoing investigations. Proclamations according to Sphere of Government SIU currently has 25 active proclamations. This graph depicts the governmental breakdown of active proclamations The Unit focused on the following major investigations since 2005: • National Department of Transport investigation in respect of the irregular issuing of drivers and learners licences and the registration of stolen vehicles on the National Traffic Information System (E-Natis). • National Department of Social Development (SASSA) investigation into the administration of social grant benefits due to suspected fraud, corruption and maladministration. • National Department of Housing investigation into the loss of state funds that were allocated to low-cost housing schemes. www.siu.org.za National Provincial Local State owned 10 7 6 2
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