Earlier this year, Pres Jacob Zuma promised to deal corruption a hammer blow in all spheres of government.

In Limpopo, five departments were taken over by the national government after it was discovered that they were bankrupt and could not run their affairs. Since the taking over of the departments, more than 50 people have been arrested on corruption charges.

Just last week, two people in Vhembe, a manager and a businesswoman, were arrested for corruption. The Vhembe District Municipality’s manager of revenue, Ms Patricia Sigida, and businesswoman Maggie Manyama, the director of RM Thabiso Trading,  appeared in court on Friday on charges of corruption.

Sigida is alleged to have received a R40 000 kickback from Manyama for the awarding of a tender in 2008.

It is alleged Sigida awarded the tender to RM Thabiso Trading in 2008. The tender was for the delivery of disposable nappies and heavy-duty machinery.

Capt Paul Ramaloko, spokesperson of the Hawks, said the pair briefly appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court and were each granted bail of R5 000. "The investigation into the matter is continuing and we cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests," said Ramaloko.

The two will appear in court again on 8 February 2013.