LIMPOPO – The Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure has begun implementing recommendations by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) after a lifestyle audit identified 15 officials as either high- or medium-risk, raising concerns over governance within the department’s supply chain management environment.

The officials form part of a group of 42 employees, including the department’s chief financial officer (CFO), who were subjected to lifestyle audits following allegations that some officials were living beyond their known financial means.

The remaining 27 officials were found to be low risk, with no significant findings against them.

MEC: ‘This is not a compliance exercise’

MEC Ernest Rachoene welcomed the outcome of the SIU investigation, saying the report would assist the department in advancing its commitment to clean governance and ethical administration.

“This process is not being approached as a compliance exercise. It forms part of our broader commitment to building a department that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people of Limpopo,” said Rachoene.

Internal controls being strengthened

He said the department had already begun strengthening its internal control measures and governance systems where weaknesses had been identified through the investigation.

“Where the SIU has identified administrative shortcomings, we are strengthening our internal controls and governance systems. When disciplinary action is warranted, we pursue it in accordance with the applicable legislative and labour frameworks.

“Matters that require the attention of law enforcement agencies will continue to be dealt with through the appropriate channels,” he said.

Rebuilding public trust

Rachoene emphasised that the department viewed implementing the SIU report as an important step toward rebuilding public trust and ensuring that officials entrusted with managing public resources are held accountable for their conduct.

Lifestyle audits to expand

The department said it would not stop with the current investigation. Lifestyle audits will now be extended to officials in other critical positions within the institution, including assistant directors, deputy directors, directors, and chief directors.