The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has announced it is delving into allegations of corruption and maladministration within the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA).
The SIU is investigating the Northern Cape Economic Development Agency for fraud and corruption, here’s why
This move follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s authorisation under Proclamation R151 of 2024, greenlighting the investigation into seven specific contracts alongside serious salary adjustment irregularities within the agency.
Aimed at unearthing any financial losses to the state and NCEDA, the probe’s scope is broad, covering procurement of legal, event management, consultancy, security services, and more, dating from March 2012 through to February 2024.
The SIU’s investigation is not just limited to contract procurement but extends to salary adjustments lacking proper authorisation and any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless expenditure.
This comprehensive approach also scrutinises any unlawful acts by officials, suppliers, or any involved entities, with the intention of not only identifying but rectifying systemic failures to mitigate future financial discrepancies.
Months before this development, the Democratic Alliance (DA) criticised the provincial government’s attempts to showcase progress at the Upington Industrial Park as a facade of development.
The temporary setup, hastily assembled in anticipation of President Ramaphosa’s visit, in October 2022, was dismantled soon after, revealing a stark disconnect between projected industrial growth and reality.
At the time, the DA’s DA Whip of the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, Flip Van Der Steen raised concerns over the misuse of taxpayer money and the superficial efforts to present economic progress and called for accountability and transparency in NCEDA’s operations.
“The DA will report our concerns about the sham Industrial Park to the Presidency, so that he can be made aware of provincial government’s attempt to deceive him. The matter will also be referred to the DA’s provincial spokesperson of Economic Development, to take up with NCEDA, including probing the costs involved in putting up the weekend set.
“At a time when money is tight and jobs are short, the DA cannot condone such fruitless and wasteful acts that do nothing to stimulate the economy and create jobs, and only serve to save government from embarrassment and put cash in the pocket of a contractor,” the DA leader said at the time.
The Northern Cape Economic Development Agency, under scrutiny, is mandated to a pivotal role in regional economic enhancement, aiming to stimulate investment, support trade, and foster industrial development.
Its mandate, crucial for the Northern Cape’s economic landscape, now faces a critical examination to ensure its integrity and effectiveness in fulfilling its objectives amidst allegations of corruption and inefficiency.
A statement from NCEDA was not available when this article was published.