Following testimony presented to the Madlanga Commission that raised allegations of improper conduct involving a former National Treasury employee, Treasury has appointed external forensic investigators to conduct an investigation.

It has been alleged at the Madlanga Commission that a former employee improperly influenced the awarding of various transversal contracts during his time at Treasury. In light of the seriousness of the allegations presented, Treasury has initiated an investigation into the awarding of transversal contracts concluded during this period.

The investigation will test the veracity of the allegations made and, importantly, determine any measures needed to further strengthen the procurement and award processes within the transversal contracting system.

Findings of this investigation will be made public in the interest of public trust and good governance, Treasury states.

Treasury says it has started the process to request documents from the Madlanga Commission and will continue to ensure the commission’s work is fully supported by the department.

"The National Treasury remains committed to transparency, accountability and integrity in public procurement and will take all necessary steps to ensure that any allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and consequence management is applied," Treasury comments.

The Madlanga Commission, led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year to probe the infiltration of criminal syndicates into law enforcement, intelligence, prosecution authorities, the judiciary and correctional services.