Gauteng Provincial Government
By Mpho Moloi
The Gauteng Provincial Government has taken decisive action by removing three provincial heads of department (HODs) following their failure to pass lifestyle audits. This announcement was made by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during a media briefing on Wednesday, signaling a strong stance against corruption and financial misconduct within the province’s administration.
Background: Lifestyle Audits and SIU Findings
Earlier this year, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conducted lifestyle audits on senior officials within the Gauteng Provincial Government. These audits are designed to determine whether an official’s lifestyle and assets align with their declared income, serving as a key tool to identify potential fraud, bribery, or unexplained wealth. The SIU’s report revealed a concerning statistic: 37% of senior officials failed these audits, indicating widespread inconsistencies between their lifestyles and legitimate earnings.
In response to these findings, officials flagged by the audits were given an opportunity to explain the discrepancies, adhering to due process. Premier Lesufi noted that over the weekend prior to the briefing, he received the final SIU reports on four outstanding cases involving HODs. Of these, three HODs failed the audit outcomes, prompting their immediate removal from their positions. Lesufi stated:
“On the basis of this, I’ve taken a decision to immediately remove these HODs from their positions. The DG [Director-General] will facilitate this process and make the public announcement on the changes of administrative head of department.”
This move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that departments are led by individuals with “impeccable credentials”, as emphasized by the Premier.
Ongoing Audits: Supply Chain and Finance Officials
The crackdown on financial misconduct extends beyond senior leadership. The SIU is currently conducting lifestyle audits for all supply chain and finance officials across Gauteng’s government departments. These officials play critical roles in managing procurement and financial transactions, areas historically vulnerable to corruption. Lesufi highlighted the scale of this exercise, noting that the SIU is:
• Collating outstanding documents,
• Analyzing submitted information,
• Conducting third-party verifications, and
• Finalizing individual audit reports.
The SIU will begin submitting these reports to departments, starting with the Office of the Premier, in the coming months. This proactive approach aims to prevent corruption before it escalates, reinforcing accountability at all levels of financial oversight.
Forensic Investigations: Transparency and Accountability
During the same media briefing, Premier Lesufi released 47 forensic investigation reports compiled by various institutions, including the SIU, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the Public Protector. These reports span multiple departments and address a wide range of allegations, such as:
• Abuse of state resources,
• Irregular and unauthorized expenditure,
• Theft,
• Procurement irregularities,
• Suspected fraud,
• Human resource irregularities,
• Unfair labor practices,
• Ghost employees, and
• Corruption.
Lesufi emphasized the significance of releasing these reports publicly, stating:
“We are proud to release these reports to indicate our commitment that we will not tolerate any form of corruption. We have taken the recommendations to the MECs [Members of the Executive Council] so that [they] implement the recommendations.”
To ensure follow-through, a dedicated committee within the Office of the Premier has been established to track the implementation of the reports’ recommendations. This includes monitoring quarterly progress reports submitted to the Premier and the Provincial Anti-Corruption Coordinating Committee.
Fund Recovery Efforts
The Gauteng Provincial Government is also prioritizing the recovery of funds lost to corruption or irregular expenditure. The Office of the Premier is collaborating with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and the SIU to strengthen these efforts. The AFU has pledged its support for asset recovery initiatives, while the SIU’s Special Tribunal, established by the President, is being utilized to expedite the recovery process. Lesufi noted:
“This includes utilizing the Special Tribunal at the SIU… to expedite the recovery of state funds lost due to corruption or irregular expenditure.”
The Gauteng Audit Committee is overseeing progress in these financial recovery efforts, ensuring that misappropriated public funds are returned to the state.
Implications and Commitment to Clean Governance
The removal of the three HODs, combined with the ongoing audits and forensic investigations, reflects a broader push for clean governance in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub. Premier Lesufi’s actions send a clear message: corruption will not be tolerated, and officials must maintain the highest standards of integrity. This initiative builds on previous efforts, such as the province’s response to procurement irregularities during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the SIU uncovered millions in misappropriated funds related to personal protective equipment (PPE).
By releasing forensic reports and establishing mechanisms for accountability and fund recovery, the Gauteng Provincial Government aims to restore public trust and ensure that public resources are used effectively for the benefit of its citizens. As Lesufi concluded, these steps are about creating a government led by individuals whose credentials and conduct are beyond reproach, setting a precedent for ethical leadership across the province.
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