The destruction of documents at state-owned enterprises is a growing phenomenon that needs to be addressed, the SIU tells MPs

CAPE TOWN – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has said the destruction of documents by government agencies is a growing phenomenon that needs to be addressed.

MPs also said the matter was a cause for concern at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and was hampering investigations.

The SIU informed the parliamentary financial watchdog SCOPA on Wednesday about its investigation into fraud and corporate governance at PRASA.

The SIU said its investigation into PRASA was progressing well and that prosecutions had been pursued in many cases and civil redress in others.

Issues examined included locomotive leasing contracts, safety and questionable insurance claims.

But SIU chief Andy Mothibi said document destruction remained a major problem.

“One observation made by you and other honourable members, among others, concerns document management and the apparent destruction of documents.
We also observe this phenomenon in various other government institutions.”

MPs suggested that companies like PRASA should embrace technology, while Mothibi said they should change the way companies keep documents.

“Digitalization should be the way forward and as part of our recommendation we will of course recommend this.”