On Friday (18/7), Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 270 of 2025, amending Proclamation 30 of 2019, thereby expanding the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) mandate to include a deeper probe into contracts awarded to Tokiso Security Services CC.

It placed Tokiso Security Services, a firm contracted to provide security for the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) and other provincial government institutions, at the centre of an extended investigation into public sector procurement practices in the province.

“The SIU’s investigation into NWDC has been expanded to include more Tokiso Security CC contracts,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyakgo.

The amendment allows the SIU to investigate not only the establishment of Tokiso Security Services as a subsidiary of the NWDC, as originally mandated, but now also all contracts where Tokiso was appointed to render services to government bodies across the province.

“The original proclamation had empowered the SIU to investigate maladministration related to the establishment of Tokiso Security Services as a subsidiary of the NWDC.

“The new amendment extends this mandate to examine all contracts where Tokiso Security Services CC were appointed to render security services to the NWDC, provincial departments, public entities and government business enterprises in the North West Province,” Kganyakgo added.

Irregularities, financial misconduct, or maladministration

The extended investigation will determine whether these security contracts were lawfully awarded and whether any irregularities, financial misconduct, or maladministration occurred during the procurement processes.

“The SIU will investigate whether proper procedures were followed in appointing Tokiso Security Services CC and whether any officials, employees, or service providers acted improperly,” he said.

Importantly, the scope of the investigation now includes conduct up to the date of the proclamation’s publication, expanding the window for uncovering recent activities and irregularities.

Criminal findings to be referred to NPA 

The original proclamation gave the SIU the authority to investigate alleged procurement abuses related to the NWDC, including controversial projects such as the Youth Enterprise Combo implemented by MVEST, security services provided by Naphtronics (Pty) Ltd, and the purchase of the Christiana Hotel and Game Farm.

Beyond rooting out fraud and corruption, the SIU has signalled a broader mission to identify systemic weaknesses in public procurement and governance.

“Protecting the public interest and assets through prevention measures and systemic investigations to eradicate fraud, maladministration, and corruption,” said Kganyakgho. Should any criminal activity be uncovered during the probe, the SIU will refer the findings to the NPA for further action.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi