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Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services today commended the Special Investigating Unit for the billions of rands it has saved the fiscus as a result of its investigations into government departments and state institutions.

The Committee heard that that during the 2016/17 financial year, the SIU prevented contracts and/or set aside administrative decisions or actions amounting to over R3.9 billion. “The SIU will continuously focus on prevention measures, including communication/awareness and stakeholder engagements,” said Adv Lekhoa Mothibi, head of the SIU.

Acting Committee Chairperson Ms Chana Pilane-Majake praised the SIU for this achievement. “This is a major step in reversing the situation created by government institutions and departments. This is money that can be utilised for government programmes that will benefit all South Africans.

Adv Mothibi told the Committee that to improve investigations turnaround times, a new strategy will be used to obtain proclamations that are as specific as possible. Previously, proclamations were generic and wide in their ambit. Regarding proclamations running over many years, the Committee was informed that interim reports will be submitted to the Presidency based on completed focus areas.

Regarding civil litigation matters pursued by the SIU, the Committee heard that an application has been lodged in the High Court to review the awarding of a 10-year lease by the South African Post Office to Centurion Vision Development for over R778 million.

However, the Committee expressed grave concern after the SIU indicated that 43 government department or institutions still owe it money. At the end of February 2017, more than R418 million was payable to the SIU and the bulk of this debt is older than 90 days.

“This is not acceptable and the relevant institutions need to ensure that these funds are transferred to the SIU speedily,” Ms Pilane-Majake said.

The Committee heard that President Jacob Zuma in February this year called on all state institutions to settle their outstanding debt to the SUI. The issue of outstanding debt was escalated to the Minister of Justice in March 2017 and an undertaking was given to address the matter with the relevant ministers.

The Committee further noted the SIU initiative to look into matters arising from the recommendations by the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on the SABC Board and its intention to request a proclamation from the President on the matter. It will also look at possible collusion by banks, investigate the private medical sphere and the construction industry.

“It is our mandate to follow public money. If it disappears into the private sector, we need to follow it,” said Adv Mothibi.

Ms Pilane-Majake emphasised the importance of highlighting the successes of the SIU. She said the Committee will closely monitor plans and commitments made by the SIU.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Acting Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, Ms Chana Pilane-Majake