Shift of group audit to mayor’s office sparks political controversy

Tshwane opposition parties have criticised the decision to place group audit and risk (GAR) under the political oversight of the mayor.

Tshwane DA argued that the move threatens the independence of a crucial anti-corruption body.

Previously, GAR reported to the City Manager via the Corporate and Shared Services.

GAR’s core responsibilities include internal audits, risk management, as well as fraud and corruption investigations in the municipality.

Tshwane DA spokesperson for Corporate and Shared Services, Dana Wannenburg called the decision a direct attack on accountability and transparency.

He said the new oversight structure, established under the ANC, EFF, and ActionSA coalition, compromises the GAR’s independence.

“Under the current ANC, EFF, and ActionSA coalition government, the move to place GAR under the Mayor’s Office places a crucial oversight function directly under political control, compromising its independence and credibility,” Wannenburg explained.

He said the GAR is responsible for nearly 1 000 ongoing investigations into financial mismanagement, fraud, and corruption.

“By moving this department under the mayor’s purview, the ANC-led coalition is deliberately placing political influence over impartial investigations.”

Wannenburg said this raises serious concerns about the integrity of findings, potential suppression of reports, and the selective targeting of individuals for political gain.

“The Auditor-General has already flagged Tshwane’s financial situation as a significant risk, citing weak internal controls,” he said.

“Now, with GAR under direct political control, there is little hope for improvement. Instead, the ANC, EFF, and ActionSA coalition has positioned itself to potentially interfere with investigations, shield allies from scrutiny, and manipulate audit findings to suit political agendas.”

He added that this is a direct threat to good governance and transparency.

Wannenburg said the DA demands that GAR be reinstated as an independent entity, reporting to the City Manager and Council, as originally structured.

“The department must be free to investigate, report, and act on financial misconduct without fear or favour.”

Wannenburg stated that the DA will explore all legal and political avenues to challenge this decision and safeguard the integrity of accountability structures.

“We urge civil society, business leaders, and residents to join us in opposing this dangerous move before it is too late,” he said.

He said the DA will not allow the vital oversight functions of the metro to be reduced to a political tool.

“The people of Tshwane deserve a government that values accountability, not one that hides behind bureaucracy to evade responsibility.”

Mayoral Spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi said the GAR remains a department in the administration and reports to the Accounting Officer of the city about its day-to-day business as it always has.

“No changes have been made to the location of the department within the city’s structure, or its administrative reporting lines,” he said.

Mgobozi said the reason the department is placed under political oversight is to strengthen the fight against corruption because it requires strong political will.

“We believe that this fight is too important to be left without high-level political accountability. Placing political oversight under the Executive Mayor ensures that consequence management, an issue repeatedly raised by the Auditor-General is taken seriously and receives the leadership attention it requires,” Mgobozi explained.

Mgobozi said opposition parties are deliberately distorting this move for political ends.

“In fact, this change strengthens public trust by ensuring that the city’s anti-corruption efforts are championed at the highest political level,” said Mgobozi.

He said every department of the city, be it water, electricity or TMPD is subject to political oversight by the Mayoral Executive.

“It is no different for the GAR. Its political oversight has moved from the MMC for Corporate and Shared Services to the Executive Mayor who leads the Mayoral Executive.”

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