President Jacob Zuma has directed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate issues relating to maladministration and alleged corruption in a number of government departments, entities and two municipalities, the Presidency said on Wednesday.

The affected institutions are the South African Post Office (SAPO), State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Greater Tubatse Local Municipality in Limpopo, Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo and the National Departments of Labour, Public Works and Transport.

While not pre-judging these cases, spokesperson Mac Maharaj said the proclamations are part of the drive to fight, eradicate and prevent corruption and maladministration at all levels of government and state-owned enterprises.

Regarding SAPO, the SIU will investigate alleged irregular conduct by the Board of SAPO, while the SITA investigation will focus on, among others, allegations of maladministration and unlawful or improper conduct by officials.

With regards to the three national departments and the two municipalities – the SIU will investigate allegations relating to maladministration in connection with the affairs of the departments, improper or unlawful conduct by employees of the departments as well as unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money.

The investigation will also look into intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property; alleged offences related to Chapter 2 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004) as well as unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interest of the public.

Maharaj said details relating to the directives issued to the SIU are contained in the relevant proclamations that will be gazetted on Friday.