On 10 September 2024, the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, signed a proclamation empowering the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and improper and unlawful conduct in the affairs of the Makana Local Municipality.
Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption and fraud, the SIU will also identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses.
The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2019 and 18 October 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2019 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.
As members of civil society, residents, and organisations of Makhanda, we welcome and support the SIU’s investigation.
This Proclamation can be linked to the sustained efforts and activism of residents and organisations that have long called for meaningful intervention in Makana through various forums, structures, and campaigns.
This investigation is crucial to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in our community. We encourage all organisations and members of the public to cooperate fully with the SIU as may be required.
Our interest is in revitalising our municipality and removing any obstacles to positive development. We believe fairness, integrity, and accountability are essential for advancement, and this investigation is a chance to address past irregularities and rebuild public trust in our institutions.
We will continue to contribute to improving Makhanda and making it liveable, sustainable, and attractive through social collaboration and activism. As invested stakeholders, we are committed to supporting efforts to build an efficient local administration and to ensuring that all practices within the municipality are transparent, ethical, and beyond reproach.
Proclamation 207 can be read in full here.
Jointly issued by:
- Rhodes University
- GADRA Education
- Victoria Girls High School
- Kingswood College
- St Andrew’s College
- Diocesan School for Girls
- The ICDP Trust/Lebone Centre
- Public Service Accountability Monitor
- Legal Resources Centre
- Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics
- The Village Scribe Association
- Assumption Development Centre
- Makhanda Business and Residents Association
- Makhanda Ministers Fraternal
- Makhanda Circle of Unity
- Makhanda Legends