ActionSA welcomes SIU’s investigation of corrupt ANC-affiliated businessman Edwin Sodi
14 November 2023
ActionSA welcomes the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) proclamation to look into the corrupt awarding of contracts by the Lepelle Northern Water and Gauteng Department of Human Settlements to Blackhead Consulting, owned by ANC-affiliated businessman Edwin Sodi.
This development follows a series of investigations initiated by ActionSA, which revealed that two Sodi-owned companies, lacking the necessary experience and qualifications to oversee the upgrade, were dishonestly awarded the R290 million contract to renovate Phase 1 of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works.
The Public Protector's recently released report verified that a major factor in the lack of clean water suitable for consumption by Hammanskraal residents was the Rooiwal Water Treatment Work's dysfunctional state and the fact that it was never renovated, even after Sodi's company, Blackhead Consulting, was awarded an R290 million tender.
As a result, the quality of life for residents living in Hammanskraal has been compromised and lowered, robbing them of their human rights to access clean water and sanitation.