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SIU opens probe into R168 million contract involving Suleiman Carrim-linked companies
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to investigate a R168 million commuter transport contract awarded by the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to a joint venture involving businessman Suleiman Carrim’s Ziggy Investments and Transnational Coaches.
The investigation comes as Carrim faces mounting scrutiny over his business dealings, including evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry linking his companies to the late taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi.
The R168 million contract was among a number of tenders awarded to companies linked to Carrim by the North West government. In May, the provincial government confirmed that Carrim-linked businesses had received at least 10 tenders worth more than R251 million, with the largest being the R168.107 million commuter transport contract awarded to Transnat Coachlines and Ziggy Investments.
What the SIU will investigate
The probe will examine whether there was serious maladministration, corruption, improper conduct and irregular expenditure surrounding the contract.
It will also look into whether individuals or companies improperly benefited from the transaction and whether public funds were exposed to financial losses.
The SIU has powers to investigate corruption, fraud and maladministration and, where wrongdoing is established, can institute civil proceedings to recover money or assets belonging to the state. Evidence of possible criminal conduct can also be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
The investigation is significant because the North West transport deal has also come under scrutiny in relation to the troubled North West Transport Investments (NTI), a state-owned transport entity that has been subject to business rescue proceedings and concerns about its financial management.
A December 2025 High Court judgment recorded allegations concerning unlawful payments to Transnat and/or its joint venture with Ziggy Investments, as well as concerns about the handling of Transnat’s claims by the NTI business rescue practitioner. The court also recorded allegations of PFMA non-compliance and other management failures within the NTI companies.
Carrim and the Msibi connection
The investigation also comes after fresh evidence at the Madlanga Commission raised questions about financial links between Carrim’s businesses and entities associated with Msibi.
On 18 August, evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC presented material extracted from Msibi’s cellphone showing a previously unidentified joint venture involving Ziggy Investments and Transnational Coaches.
The evidence related to subsidised transport contracts in Gauteng and the North West.
The commission heard that R700,000 was paid to the South African National Taxi Council, while R1 million was paid into Tucofin, a company in which Msibi was a director. A further R300,000 was reportedly outstanding from North West entities.
Chaskalson told the commission that the connection between Carrim’s businesses and Msibi’s operations had not previously been identified by investigators.
Msibi, who died in January 2024, has been described during the inquiry as a former alleged leader of the so-called “Big Five” criminal cartel. Those allegations remain untested, and Msibi cannot respond to the claims.
Carrim already facing criminal charges
The latest SIU scrutiny adds to Carrim’s growing legal problems.
On 14 August, the Madlanga Commission resolved to lay criminal charges against Carrim after he failed to comply with an order requiring him to appear before the inquiry.
Carrim had repeatedly cited ill health as the reason for his absence. However, the commission heard evidence about an authorised outing in Cape Town while he was declared unfit to testify. The commission ultimately ordered him to appear or undergo an independent medical assessment before his continued absence led to criminal charges being laid.
The commission’s action was the first time it had resolved to lay criminal charges against a witness for failing to comply with a summons.
The charges are separate from the allegations surrounding the North West transport contract.
Questions over accountability
The SIU investigation is likely to intensify questions about how contracts involving politically connected or controversial business figures were awarded and managed.
The North West government previously maintained that the work covered by Carrim-linked tenders had been completed and verified by the relevant departments.
However, the SIU’s mandate is to establish whether procurement processes were lawful, whether public officials acted improperly and whether the state suffered financial losses.
If the investigation uncovers evidence of corruption or other unlawful conduct, the unit can pursue recovery of state funds through civil proceedings and refer criminal evidence to prosecutors.
Economy
Kaya 959 turns up the heat as Chefs & Chenin talent cooks live on air
Kaya 959 is bringing the flavours of the inaugural Chefs & Chenin Festival to its listeners, with some of the chefs taking over the station for a live cooking experience ahead of the two-day culinary celebration.
Chef Mahalia Jackson, Jacques Venter, Chef Tebogo Morgan and Saviour Moyo will be showcasing their culinary skills on air, giving listeners a taste of what they can expect when Chefs & Chenin takes place at Crawford International Sandton College on 26 and 27 September 2026.
The festival is presented in partnership with Kaya 959 and celebrates two distinctly South African passions – cooking over fire and Chenin Blanc.
Bringing the festival to Kaya 959
The live cooking sessions give Kaya 959 listeners an opportunity to get closer to the chefs and the food that will form part of the festival experience.
Rather than simply talking about what is coming, the chefs are putting their skills on display in the Kaya 959 studio, building anticipation for a weekend where food will be cooked over open flames and paired with South Africa’s much-loved Chenin Blanc.
The festival is designed as a celebration of food, wine, music and local creativity, with a Harvest Market, live entertainment, kids’ activities and an art exhibition also forming part of the programme.
Meet the chefs
Chef Mahalia Jackson brings more than three decades of experience in the culinary industry to the line-up. She is an executive chef, entrepreneur and published author, and has been the managing director of Added Touch Catering & Events since 2005.
Her career has included major corporate events and high-profile gatherings, with Jackson also having served guests including former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki and international diplomats. She is also the author of Dare to Dream, a recipe book and memoir which won an African Authors Award in the Food Category.
Jacques Venter has built a career across different parts of Johannesburg’s culinary scene. According to his Chefs & Chenin profile, he began his career in 2003 as a commis chef at The Castle Kyalami before progressing to sous chef.
His experience has included fine dining at Roots restaurant at Forum Homini, work at Coco C in Bloemfontein and a stint at the Radisson Blu Sandton, where he worked his way up to executive sous chef. Since 2019, he has been part of the Pick n Pay group as a food specialist at Pick n Pay on Nicol and Thyme restaurant.
Chef Tebogo Morgan, the chef behind CRAVINGS, Gourmet Rainbow Cuisine, brings a fusion approach to the festival. Born in Mthatha and raised in Johannesburg, Morgan trained through the International Chef Management Diploma at Capsicum Culinary Studio in Cape Town.
His culinary style, which he describes as “Fire & Fusion”, brings together Asian and Mediterranean influences with open-fire cooking.
Saviour Moyo, who is also associated with Saint Restaurant Sandton, rounds out the group of chefs appearing as part of the Kaya 959 activation.
More than just food
Chefs & Chenin is being positioned as an experience rather than a conventional food festival.
General access tickets include a tasting meal at a pop-up restaurant of the guest’s choice, where chefs will showcase their food through live-fire cooking. There will also be curated Chenin Blanc tastings, alongside the Harvest Market, live music and entertainment for children.
The festival’s focus on open-fire cooking also taps into a familiar South African food tradition, while the Chenin Blanc element highlights one of the country’s most important wine varieties.
With Kaya 959 providing the radio platform and the chefs bringing the food to life on air, the build-up is giving audiences a preview of what awaits at Crawford International Sandton College.
Chefs & Chenin takes place on 26 and 27 September 2026. Tickets are available through Webtickets.
