SIU exceeded all performance targets, saved state around R8bn in 23/24 financial year, MPs told

CAPE TOWN - The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said it was exceeding all its performance targets, saving the state around R8 billion in the past financial year.

This includes R2.2 billion returned to state coffers through cash and assets, while another R2 billion is in the process of recovery through litigation.

Much of the recovery is owing to maladministration at Transnet and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The SIU was before Parliament on Tuesday, presenting its annual report for the 2023/24 financial year.

SIU head, Andy Mothibi, said that the agency was performing well, concluding over 1,900 investigations under various proclamations.

Twenty-six reports have been submitted to the president in the year under review.

He said that the introduction of the Special Tribunal had assisted in speeding up cases to recover money and to put a stop to dodgy tenders.

Two hundred and twenty-four cases were currently before the tribunal and another 76 cases before the high court.

"The recovery machinery is really working well. This can only depend on effective investigations by the team," Mothibi said.

The SIU said it's prevented losses of R2.3 billion before the money could even be spent.

"We are pleased because we really aim for SIU to be a high-performing organisation, focused on outputs and we continue to do that."

With an unqualified audit, the SIU has, however, been found wanting by the Auditor-General in the appointment of a legal panel to assist with civil litigation.

The process is to be restarted.