Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina has come out in full support of the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the affairs of the city’s Transport Department.
The Presidency issued a statement announcing that President Ramaphosa has authorised the investigation of suspected wrongdoing by public servants and persons or entities in the private sector in the awarding of tenders or contracts by the National Department of Water and Sanitation, the Ekurhuleni and eThekwini metros, among others.
In Ekurhuleni, the investigation will focus on two projects, namely Vosloorus Hospital transport and Bluegum View public transport facilities.
The SIU will investigate claims that the procurement of these projects during a period around February 2014 had been unauthorised, irregular or fruitless, and wasteful.
“Such interventions are necessary if there are any suspicions of wrongdoing and maladministration in any project.
“The City of Ekurhuleni welcomes this intervention and commit to fully cooperate with the SIU in this regard. We are dealing with public funds here and the issue of accountability is not negotiable.
“We do hope that those with information regarding the two projects under scrutiny — the Vosloorus Hospital transport and Bluegum View public transport facilities — come forward with such information so that they can assist the investigation.
“On our part as a city, we look forward to working with the SIU on this matter,” said Masina.
The mayor emphasized that the City of Ekurhuleni remains committed to clean governance and determined to win the battle against fraud and corruption.