KZN Film Commission is under investigation for maladministration by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU).
The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the KZN Film Commission, which is also popular for organising Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and TV Awards for KZN's top actors.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed proclamation R.4539 of 22 March 2024, authorising the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the affairs of the KZN Film Commission and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State or KZN Film Commission.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said proclamation R.4539 of 22 March 2024 authorises the SIU to probe the procurement of and contracting for suitably qualified companies to partner and invest with the Film Commission in the development and operation of the KZN studios, including the Film Commission’s investment in KZN Studios.
“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by KZN Film Commission or the State.
“The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of KZN Film Commission, the applicable suppliers or service providers or any other person or entity," he said.
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He said the proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 July 2017 and 22 March 2024.
“The date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 1 July 2017 and after the date of the Proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, and incidental to matter or involved the same persons, entities of contracts investigated,” he said.
In the statement, the KZN Film Commission said they noted with concern misleading and inaccurate media reporting on the SIU.
“The Proclamation issues relate to the 2018 Procurement Process relating to the establishment of Film Studios, which was identified as irregular expenditure by the Auditor General of South Africa.
“In accordance with Irregular Expenditure guidelines, internal investigations were conducted, which confirmed that there were no instances of fraud and corruption in the matter. The matter was referred to the SIU by KZN Film Commission to assist with possible recoveries of funds lost to the state,” KZN Film Commission said in the statement.
