Following recent allegations of kickbacks around the use and payment of sub-contractors, related to the #GuptaLeaks – AmaBhungane and Scorpio report, SAP has issued a statement confirming it has initiated an independent investigation spearheaded by a multinational law firm and overseen by Executive Board Member Adaire Fox-Martin to vigorously review contracts awarded by SAP South Africa.

SAP says it has also launched an internal review, the results of which will be made public once the investigation is concluded.

This week Brett Parker, Managing Director: SAP Africa strongly rejected the allegations describing them as "unfounded and unsubstantiated".

He said SAP is dedicated to conducting every aspect of its business responsibly and in accordance with the highest global compliance and legal standards.

"As part of its day to day business, SAP South Africa engages various subcontractors, SMMEs and partners and it has always been and will continue to be SAP's policy to partner with a wide pool of organisations that qualify for our partner programme, if those organisations successfully meet the exacting criteria of our comprehensive global due diligence and certification processes," Parker added.

SAP has brought in senior expert staff across all relevant functions while the current management team has been placed on administrative leave pending the findings of the review.

The company has not yet confirmed who exactly forms part of this team, nor what action it intends to follow should evidence of wrongdoing transpire.

"SAP stands for integrity, transparency and compliance," said Fox-Martin, who leads SAP's business in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Greater China. "We strive to be exemplary in the manner in which we serve our customers and partners, and in how we treat our employees. Full transparency and integrity are imperative at our company, and we will not tolerate any misconduct."