Get a behind-the-scenes look at a major corruption investigation into South Africa’s rail transport agency, PRASA. A proclamation recently signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa grants the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) the power to closely examine cases involving the Swifambo and Siyangena companies.
Allegations of corruption surrounding PRASA’s contracts with Swifambo and Siyangena have roiled minds for more than six years. The SIU is specifically looking at the R3.5 billion purchase of locomotives from Swifambo, as well as Siyangena’s contract to supply and maintain an integrated security system at several railway stations across the country.
The facts date back to 2012, when Swifambo was awarded the contract to supply locomotives to PRASA, a contract which turned out to be tainted by corruption according to a court decision handed down in 2017. On the other hand, the investigations into Siyangena highlight a deal struck under former PRASA CEO Lucky Montana to expand the provision of automated access control devices at several train stations across the country, an unjustified expense according to a Public Protector report.
In addition to these cases, the SIU was also authorized to investigate cases of mismanagement relating to fraudulent claims processed and paid by the PRASA Group’s insurance department, as well as cases of ghost employees identified by the internal Zivese project .
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago stressed the monumental nature of this investigation and the importance of getting to the source of the embezzlement. This proclamation marks a significant step forward in the fight against corruption at PRASA, welcomed by the civil society organization #UniteBehind which has long called for action against these dishonest practices.
While waiting to discover the results of this in-depth investigation, it is clear that the fight against corruption in the transport sector in South Africa is more relevant than ever.