The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has revealed that it is probing a multimillion-rand water project awarded to businessman Edwin Sodi.
The SIU made the announcement a day after the tycoon’s lavish 50th birthday party at his multimillion-rand mansion in Bryanston, Johannesburg on Saturday.
The SIU said it had been authorised to investigate the Rooiwal wastewater treatment project. The project’s tender was awarded to Blackhead Consulting, owned by Sodi and two other companies.
The project cost the Tshwane metro R295-million but was not completed due to other factors including alleged corruption and mismanagement of finances.
The SIU said: “President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation R 138 of 2023 authorising the Special Investigating Unit to investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption in the affairs of Tshwane metropolitan municipality and to recover any financial losses suffered by the state.”
The unit also announced that the investigation will seek to recover the funds wasted in the project.
“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the Tshwane metropolitan municipality or the state.
“The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the Tshwane metropolitan municipality, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity.”
Sodi threw a celebration of great proportions for his 50th birthday, which was also attended by his actress girlfriend Karen Zulu, media personality Babalwa Mneno and businessman Matome Sefalafala.
The party was held at his triple story mansion which was listed for R85-million on property24 for sale in 2022.
The house was draped in gold décor and black and gold balloons filled the staircase in images that were widely shared by his guests on social media.
Sodi is not new to controversy. He is entangled in another high-profile case at the Bloemfontein High Court for a botched asbestos removal contract.
The refurbishment of the Rooiwal wastewater plant was meant to ensure that parts of Tshwane around Hammanskraal had clean drinking water but the project was botched, recently leaving at least 15 people dead from a cholera outbreak.
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