SIU to Investigate Alleged Misconduct in South Africa's Vaccine Programs

National Probe Launched into Vaccine Program Misconduct

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in South Africa has initiated a comprehensive investigation into allegations of financial misconduct within the nation's vaccine research and manufacturing programs. Authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 304 of 2025, the probe will scrutinize activities at four prominent entities between January 1, 2021, and December 19, 2025.

Entities Under Scrutiny

The investigation targets four key institutions involved in South Africa's vaccine development efforts. These entities are:

• The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
• The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)

The SIU will specifically examine their procurement and contracting processes related to various vaccine research and development projects.

Scope of Allegations and Investigation

The allegations center on 'maladministration and unlawful conduct' concerning the procurement and contracting processes for vaccine research and development projects. The SIU's mandate includes investigating contracts related to:

• The development of a national vaccine manufacturing strategy
• The finalization of an overarching vaccine development and manufacturing strategy
• Projects associated with a Virus-Like Particles (VLP) platform

The investigation aims to determine if procurement processes and associated payments were conducted in a 'fair, competitive, transparent, equitable and cost-effective manner'. It will also delve into 'irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of these institutions, the applicable suppliers or service providers, and any other person or entity involved'.

SIU's Mandate and Potential Outcomes

As part of its extensive powers, the SIU is authorized to recover any financial losses incurred by the state or the affected institutions as a result of the uncovered wrongdoing. Furthermore, any evidence of criminal conduct identified during the investigation will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for potential prosecution. The unit also has the authority to institute civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to set aside unlawful transactions.