The public might have noticed the presence of Special Investigating Unit (SIU) officials in Hermanus over the last few days.

President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to conduct an investigation in connection with the affairs of the Overstrand Municipality, specifically related to complaints received in regard to the housing division within the municipality in terms of Proclamation No. R43 of 2022, as published in Government Gazette No. 45617 dated 10 December 2021.

The SIU has started with physical interviews of the relevant members of the public and municipal officials on Sunday, 17 April 2022, after all relevant information was provided to them upon their request.

They will continue their interviews until 29 April 2022. These interviews are conducted in Hermanus.

It should be noted that the Overstrand Municipal Council requested the Premier of the Western Cape in 2019 that a forensic audit be done after an internal audit investigation revealed irregularities within the Overstrand Housing Department.

The Mayor and Council fully support the investigation by the SIU who plans to complete their work by 30 June 2022.

The public will be informed of the findings once they are available.