DA supports SIU’s crackdown on corruption in Sport, Arts and Culture Department

Limpopo

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has welcomed the recent announcement of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into the alleged contract irregularities within the affairs of the Limpopo Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

According to the party, the investigation will concentrate on alleged procurement or the contracting for security services by the department that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost effective and contrary to applicable legislation, policies circulars or instructions and any related unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department.

The SIU will also investigate any alleged maladministration and any losses suffered by the department in relation to the irregular appointment  of staff in five districts of Limpopo which are Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Vhembe, Capricorn and Mopani, in terms of circular 7 of 2016 in the position of Assistant Director: Assets Management, payments not due or owing or payments made by the department to entities for services not rendered ,the 2016/2017 financial year Mapungubwe Arts, Culture and Heritage Festival and any unlawful or improper conduct by employees of the department and suppliers or service providers.

Adv Franco Marx, DA Spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture in Limpopo, said the proclamation covers allegations of maladministration, unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2011 and 4 October 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2011 and after the date of the proclamation that is relevant to the matters under investigation.

“This investigation will reveal long awaited information about a period where there had been suspicion and allegations of corrupt activities in the department. In fact, in 2017, a draft report of Limpopo’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) had recommended that the Provincial Treasury must appoint a forensic investigation into all income and expenditure into the 2017 Mapungubwe Arts Festival,” informed Marx. .

He said the party will ensure that all corruption and maladministration are dealt with as soon as possible and the culprits must be brought to justice.

“The people of Limpopo deserve clean governance and ethical leadership,” he said.