Zuma orders several corruption probes

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has ordered investigations into corruption in several government departments.

A statement on the Presidency's website says Zuma has directed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to "investigate supply-chain related concerns" in 7 government departments.

"The SIU has started detailed investigations into these matters, and is treating them as ones of high priority. Each investigation will be staffed by a substantial team of forensic investigators, lawyers, accountants and analysts," the Presidency said.

The departments include:

• the Gauteng health department,
• Human Settlements department,
• Arts and Culture department,
• Education department in the Eastern Cape,
• the national Public Works department,
• the South African Social Security Agency and
• the South African Police Service.

The departments were "co-operating fully" with the probes.

In the arts and culture department, the SIU will focus mainly on the recovery of funds and ensuring accountability for wrongful spending that may be uncovered.

The department, said the Presidency, had already taken disciplinary action against a number of staff members.

Procurement will come under the spotlight in the public works department.

"The department of public works investigation will be one of the biggest ever launched by the SIU, and will focus primarily on procurement within the department - including the assessment of numerous leases negotiated by DPW for and on behalf of client departments, some of which involve significant amounts," the Presidency said.

The proclamations directing the SIU to investigate the departments were gazetted on June 8, June 30 and August 10.