The Free State schools under investigation are Caleb Motshabi Primary School, Malebogo Primary School, and Tlholo Primary School. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been granted permission to probe heavy allegations of maladministration and financial waste within the Free State Department of Education.
The probe is focused on the construction of Caleb Motshabi Primary School, formerly known as Thuto Ke Thebe Primary School, Malebogo Primary School, and Tlholo Primary School. The investigation will cover the period from 1 March 2014 until the date of the proclamation.
SIU investigators will scrutinize whether procurement processes for the school construction projects complied with applicable legislation, National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations, as well as the department's own procurement policies and procedures.
The probe will also assess whether the department incurred any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure in connection with the projects. Beyond procurement, the SIU said it will investigate whether officials, employees, contractors, service providers or any other individuals involved in the projects engaged in irregular, unlawful or improper conduct.
The investigation has also been structured broadly enough to include any related contracts, entities or individuals identified during the course of the inquiry.
At the same time, the SIU is expanding an existing investigation into procurement at the Great Kokstad Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
The amended proclamation significantly broadens the investigation by extending the period under review to begin on June 5, 2020, instead of 1 January 2022. It also adds two additional procurement contracts to the investigation, including the supply and delivery of laptops and desktop computers, as well as another contract for the supply and renewal of software licences.
The SIU said the municipal investigation will continue to examine allegations of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure, unlawful conduct, fraud and corruption involving municipal officials, service providers, suppliers and any other individuals or entities connected to the contracts.
The investigation into the Free State schools is just the latest in a string of probes into alleged malfeasance within the provincial department. In recent years, the province has been plagued by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.
The Department of Education has faced criticism for its handling of school construction projects, with many buildings being delayed or left in disarray due to alleged overspending and poor planning.
The investigation is seen as a major blow to the department, which has been accused of prioritizing political cronyism over the needs of students and teachers.
The outcome of the probe will be closely watched, with many expecting a thorough investigation and potential consequences for those found to be involved in malfeasance.