President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration in training contracts awarded by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority and the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

The investigation will focus on training programmes intended for 7 071 learners across all nine provinces, including Election Observer Training, End-User Computing Training and PSIRA Grade E to C Training.

The SIU will examine whether payments made under the contracts were fair, competitive, transparent, equitable and cost-effective, according to a statement issued by the unit.

Investigators will probe allegations of improper or unlawful conduct by officials and employees, unlawful expenditure or appropriation of public funds, irregular transactions involving state property and any intentional or negligent losses of public money.

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The investigation covers conduct that occurred between 1 January 2019 and 3 June 2026. The SIU is also authorised to investigate related matters that fall outside this period if they are connected to the contracts, individuals or entities identified in the proclamation.

Should evidence of criminal conduct emerge, the SIU will refer the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action, in line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act.

The unit is also empowered to institute civil proceedings in the High Court or the Special Tribunal to set aside unlawful contracts, recover financial losses suffered by the state and address any wrongdoing uncovered during the investigation.

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