BUFFALO CITY, EASTERN CAPE — 22 September 2026 — UDM Buffalo City mayoral candidate Nqabayomzi Kwankwa has welcomed a new Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into six projects linked to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and its development agency.
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU probe through Proclamation 350 of 2026. The SIU announced the investigation on 21 September.
Six projects under investigation
The SIU will examine six projects linked to Buffalo City Metro and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency.
They include:
- The Mdantsane NU2 Swimming Pool Project
- The appointment of First New Generation Trading to demolish existing walls
- The removal of the Donkin wall and installation of palisades
- Consulting services for the Water World Project
- The appointment of the main contractor for the Water World Project
The SIU will look at the way officials handled the projects. It will also check procurement, contracts and payments.
The probe will cover conduct from 1 January 2016 to 18 September 2026.
Kwankwa welcomes investigation
Kwankwa said he supports the investigation and wants the process to continue without interference.
He said the projects should benefit communities in Buffalo City. He also raised concerns about service delivery in areas such as Mdantsane, Duncan Village and Scenery Park.
Kwankwa said officials who broke the law must face accountability. He also called for the recovery of any public money lost through unlawful conduct.
The SIU can recover losses through civil action. It can also refer evidence of possible criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority.
UDM sets out its position
Kwankwa also criticised the ANC’s long period of governance in Buffalo City.
He referred to allegations linked to spending on the funeral and memorial service of former president Nelson Mandela.
Kwankwa said the courts must decide the outcome of cases involving people accused of wrongdoing.
The UDM candidate said his party supports open procurement and the publication of municipal contracts.
He also called for appointments based on merit and greater accountability in the use of public funds.
The SIU investigation is ongoing. Its findings will determine whether wrongdoing occurred. The allegations under investigation should not be treated as proven facts against any person or organisation.
