‘Political gaslighting’: Will Lesufi really fire corrupt officials?

There is mounting pressure for Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to act against corrupt officials in various government departments.

This comes after a report by the Gauteng Ethics and Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (GEAC), discussed in the legislature on Tuesday, found that 150 Gauteng government officials are doing business with the state.

The report also reveals that 37% of Gauteng government senior officials have failed lifestyle audits conducted by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

It is believed that they are living opulent lives that are inconsistent with their salaries.

These are CEOs, heads of departments, and those working in supply chain management.

‘Officials must pay back the money’

African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Gauteng MPL Dulton Adams told The Citizen that Lesufi had committed to dismissing these and other alleged corrupt officials.

“In a reply to one of the legislature’s questions, the premier said he is going to fire some of these officials who have been red-flagged, some seriously.

“The premier said there is a pattern of underperformance, overspending, office leases and clear evidence of unethical conduct,” he said.

Reports this week claim dismissals may happen as early as next week. However, Lesufi’s spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, could not confirm this to The Citizen.

The provincial government is also expected to respond to the report later this month.    

Adams said Lesufi should now act on his word.

“Voters should not be told how wonderful it is that all these reports are being done until consequence management happens.

“If not, this would be nothing but political gaslighting.”

He said officials should “pay back the money” they had made from doing business with the government and through other corrupt activities.

“We are not happy with this kind of consequence management, because even if they [corrupt officials] get fired, what about the money that has been lost?”

‘Lesufi is shielding corrupt officials’

DA leader in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga, told The Citizen that the party has often raised concerns about the opulent lives of some government officials.

“These are the things that we have been complaining about over the years, and nothing has been done about it,” he said.

The DA will be challenging the premier in court to release 177 forensic reports that potentially contain explosive evidence against corrupt officials.

“Premier Lesufi is shielding corrupt officials and has no intention of clamping down on corruption that takes away money from service delivery to the residents of this province.”

He said he will comment on the alleged dismissal of corrupt officials when he sees it in “black and white”.

ALSO READ: ‘Joburg is in free fall’ — Next month could be make or break for Mayor Dada Morero

Lifestyle audits should be extended

Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) chairperson in Gauteng, Amos Monyela, said Lesufi should initiate disciplinary proceedings against the implicated officials.

“The names should be submitted to their relevant heads, and they should be submitted through a process of the public service legislation.

“Disciplinary process should take place, and in places where the Premier needs to follow through with the disciplinary process, he must do so.

“These lifestyle audits should be extended to members of the executive. We also have to initiate the process to ensure that the politicians are held accountable.

“For now, we are looking at the officials, and it is up to them to disclose if they are working with politicians,” he said.

‘A spit in the face of Gauteng residents’

Monyela said he was also concerned about reports that the provincial government has returned R1.8 billion to National Treasury amidst service delivery challenges across the province.

“This is a spit in the face of Gauteng residents who are thirsty for safety and security, effective health services, clean running water and jobs,” he said.

NOW READ: Gauteng underspends budget but says R1.8bn not lost