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President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 297 of 2025, granting the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) authority to investigate the South African Tourism Board. The probe centres on alleged irregular media buying, payments for services not rendered and possible financial losses to the State. The investigation covers activities between 1 March 2020 and 21 November 2025.
What Happened
The proclamation empowers the SIU to examine media buying contracts linked to three specific invoices and purchase orders. These include payments for services that were either not delivered or not fully carried out. The investigation will assess whether the procurement process was fair, competitive, transparent, equitable and cost-effective.
The SIU will review whether SA Tourism complied with National Treasury guidelines, applicable legislation and its own internal policies. The probe also includes scrutiny of any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure relating to the payments in question.
The scope extends to any person or entity involved in the alleged scheme, including officials, employees, suppliers and service providers.
Official Response
According to the proclamation, the SIU may investigate conduct before or after the specified period if it is relevant to the alleged wrongdoing. The Unit has full authority to examine contracts where media buying services were paid for but not delivered.
In terms of the SIU Act, the Unit will refer any evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. The SIU is also authorised to institute civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to recover State funds where losses were suffered.
Community Impact
The investigation aims to safeguard public money and restore confidence in the governance of SA Tourism. It also signals the State’s intent to address maladministration and recover funds spent on services that were not carried out.
