President Ramaphosa gives SIU powers to probe deal between Gupta-linked media empire & SABC! President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to launch a probe into allegations of corruption and maladministration involving a deal between the Gupta-linked media empire, The New Age (TNA), and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
The investigation focuses on TNA’s business breakfast briefings, which were held in collaboration with the SABC during the height of the State Capture period.
The SIU, known for its role in uncovering state-related corruption, will delve into claims that public funds were improperly funneled from state institutions to finance these breakfast briefings. These events, which garnered significant media attention at the time, were advertised as platforms for corporate leaders, government officials, and politicians to discuss pressing national issues.
However, it is now alleged that these forums may have served as vehicles for financial misconduct, allowing large sums of public money to be siphoned off inappropriately.
SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explained that the investigation would be extensive, covering all aspects of the deal between TNA Media and the SABC as far back as 2011. This includes examining whether the agreement was concluded lawfully and in compliance with South Africa’s procurement laws and financial regulations.
Specifically, the investigation will scrutinize whether the deal was conducted fairly, competitively, and transparently, as required by the National Treasury’s guidelines.
“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,” said Kganyago.
He added that the SIU would also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures incurred by state institutions in relation to these events, as well as any financial losses suffered by the state as a result.
This investigation highlights a significant episode during the State Capture era, a time when various state institutions were reportedly infiltrated and manipulated by private interests, primarily those linked to the controversial Gupta family.
The Guptas, who had close ties to former President Jacob Zuma, have been accused of exerting undue influence over state-owned enterprises and securing lucrative contracts through corrupt means.
TNA Media, which was owned by the Gupta family, played a central role in disseminating information favorable to the Zuma administration and his allies.
The SIU’s investigation into the TNA-SABC deal is a continuation of ongoing efforts to unravel the full extent of corruption during this period. The public broadcaster, SABC, was among several state-owned entities that were allegedly compromised during the State Capture years, with funds being misappropriated and misused in various ways.
The breakfast briefings, marketed as media events to engage the public on socio-political and economic issues, have now come under scrutiny for potentially serving as a front for corruption.
The events were televised live on SABC platforms and were paid for by numerous government departments, municipalities, and other state-owned entities.
It is alleged that state funds were diverted from critical public services to finance these lavish events, which often featured prominent political figures and corporate leaders. The SIU aims to uncover whether these expenditures were justified or if they were simply a cover for corrupt activities.
President Ramaphosa’s decision to grant the SIU investigative powers reflects the government’s continued commitment to rooting out corruption and holding those responsible accountable.
The SIU’s findings could potentially lead to disciplinary actions, criminal charges, or the recovery of stolen funds if wrongdoing is uncovered.
This investigation is one of many ongoing efforts to address the damage caused by State Capture. Since taking office, Ramaphosa has positioned himself as a champion of anti-corruption initiatives, promising to restore integrity to South Africa’s public institutions and rebuild trust in the government.
The SIU’s probe into the TNA-SABC deal represents a crucial step in this broader campaign to ensure accountability and transparency in how state resources are managed and utilized.
The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for individuals and entities implicated in corrupt dealings during the State Capture era, marking another chapter in South Africa’s ongoing battle against corruption and financial mismanagement in the public sector.