President Jacob Zuma has given the green light for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate any wrongdoing at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), his office said on Friday.

The proclamation, signed by Zuma, gives the SIU the authority to investigate irregularities and criminality relating to the procurement of “goods, works or services or on behalf of the SABC from various companies or service providers and payment made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, transparent, competitive and equitable or cost effective”.

In terms of the proclamation, the SIU is also empowered to probe SABC staff who have undisclosed or unauthorised interests in companies that have done business with the public broadcaster.

Serious maladministration, unlawful conduct by board members and employees, unlawful spending, and the negligent loss of public money, among others, will also come under the SIU spotlight.