President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation authorizing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the Tokologo Local Municipality in the Free State province and the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the Northern Cape.

The proclamation empowers the unit to probe streetlights and electrification projects in both municipalities.

The SIU will investigate any unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State. "The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 April 2015 and 5 April 2024," stated the SIU.

Furthermore, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures aimed at preventing future losses.

Any potential criminal activity uncovered during the investigations will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.