THE South African Investigating Unit (SIU) reports that municipalities, national and provincial departments, and state-owned entities owe more than R1 billion.
This was revealed by the Standing Committee of Public Accounts (Scopa) chairman and Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi.
According to Zibi, the corruption watchdogs disclosed this information during an engagement in Parliament on Tuesday, 27 August.
The engagement aimed to brief on the SIU's mandate, powers, link to Parliament, value chain, motivation process, investigation outcomes, referrals, and specific cases.
Zibi expressed concern about the billions owed to the SIU.
"The current funding model of the SIU, 40% of the funding comes from the National Treasury while it is expected to raise 60% by invoicing the entities it investigates.
"Scopa wants a funding model that guarantees adequate resources for the SIU's fight against corruption and maladministration.
"The committee is aware that the SIU is following up on the outstanding debt owed to them through a project named 'Operation Khokhela'."
"The committee believes that it is in the interest of South Africa for the SIU to be adequately resourced," Zibi said.
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He also said that the SIU is investigating matters with a contract value of R194 billion.
According to Zibi, this high number emphasises the work done by the SIU and the need for it to be funded properly.
"Scopa will follow up on the tracking of the cases the SIU refers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution and the rate of conviction.
"The committee has also noted the SIU Referrals Coordination and Monitoring Mechanism Technology Platform that has informed innovations such as the establishment of a single register for dismissals and resignations.
"This will also attend to the challenge of the movement of officials who are dismissed from one state institution and move to another institution within the civil service," Zibi vowed.
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