President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation R.49 of 2022, authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of Telkom, South Africa’s wireline and wireless telecommunications provider, and to recover any financial losses suffered by Telkom and the State through civil litigation.

The investigation will focus on a possible maladministration in relation to the sale or disposal of iWayAfrica and Africa Online Mauritius; and Multi-Links Telecommunications Limited, and any losses or prejudice suffered by Telkom or the State as a result of such maladministration.

The investigation will also extend to contracting for or procurement of telegraph services (telex and telegrams); and advisory services in respect of the broadband and mobile strategy of Telkom, by or on behalf of Telkom, and payments made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective; or contrary to applicable legislations.

Proclamation R.49 of 2022 also authorises the SIU to investigate any unlawful, improper or irregular conduct by employees, officials or agents of Telkom; or any other person or entity, in relation to the allegations being investigated.

The investigation will cover transactions that took place between 1 June 2006 and 25 January 2022, the date of publication of the Proclamation, and transactions that either took place before June 2006 or after January 2022 but relevant to, connected with the same persons, entities or contracts being investigated.

President Ramaphosa has authorised the SIU to use all its legislative powers to subpoena bank statements and cellphone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath in an effort to hold those responsible to account for their actions. Evidence pointing to criminal conduct will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), as well as the Hawks in the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further action.

Issued by SIU, 26 January 2022