Ramaphosa gives SIU powers to investigate deal between Gupta-linked media empire and SABC
It’s alleged money was siphoned from several state institutions to pay for the briefings hosted by the SABC.
The South African Broadcast Corporation's (SABC) headquarters in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. Picture: Mike Powell/Wikimedia Commons
JOHANNESBURG - The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the watchdog powers to sink its teeth into investigations into a deal between a Gupta-linked media empire and public broadcaster SABC.
The SIU is now set to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration linked to The New Age (TNA) newspaper’s business breakfast briefings at the height of the State capture period.
It’s alleged money was siphoned from several State institutions to pay for the briefings hosted by the SABC.
SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the probe will include any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by State officials or employees at TNA media as far back as 2011.
“The investigation will focus on whether the agreement between SABC and TNA Media (pty) Ltd was concluded in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective or in violation of applicable legislation, guidelines, or instructions from the National Treasury and related unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditures incurred by the state institutions or losses suffered by the state institutions or the State.”