Gauteng's R1 billion under-expenditure: Unimpressed Lesufi reshuffles heads of departments
Image: Gauteng Provincial Government
Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi on Sunday released several reports following multiple investigations into serious offences and improper behaviour across multiple departments.
He said the investigations covered a wide range of misconduct, from criminal acts to minor breaches of conduct.
'The reports we are presenting today will be accessible to all the members of the public once the State Law Advisory Services finishes redacting personal details and reviewing the changes,' said Lesufi.
'Protecting whistleblowers is essential for transparency and justice. They risk their safety to expose corruption and abuse of power, helping ensure accountability and ethical governance.'
On the relocation of heads of departments, Panyaza said his reshuffle follows recommendations from the Gauteng Ethics and Advisory Council (GEAC).
'It would take me long if I have to go through every department. We have made this information available to you, and it is also going to be available on our website,' said Lesufi.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
'I also want to bring to your attention that on 17 July 2025, I responded to matters that came from our GEAC that responded to the heads of departments that could not finish our conclude their lifestyle audits.
'I also indicated that there were departments that underspent seriously, the total underspend at that time stood at R1.8 billion which has now gone to R1.3 billion after the authorisation of some of the transactions that we requested to be carried over,' he said.
Earlier this year, IOL reported that Lesufi condemned his administration for returning about R1.8 billion to the National Treasury after underspending on its annual budget. At the time, Lesufi acknowledged a marginal improvement in financial management but said returning unspent funds amid rising community needs cannot be justified.
On Sunday, Lesufi described the under-expenditure as 'a serious underperformance' by the heads of departments.
'They are also heads of departments that have missed their performance targets and we took serious exception, that with the challenges that we are facing, of service delivery, we can't afford departments that are missing performance targets.
'We also found some audit outcomes which indicated that some departments are not performing ideally. Within that context, I have taken a decision to reshuffle and reset heads of departments, and remove other heads of departments from their responsibilities,' he said.
From 1 August, these are the new heads of departments of the departments in Gauteng:
* Department of eGovernment: Masabata Mutlaneng, coming from infrastructure development department
* Department of Infrastructure Development: Rufus Mmutlana, moved from department of education
* Treasury: Ncumisa Mnyani retained
* COGTA: Darion Barclay retained
* Transport: Dr Thulani Mdadane retained but the post will be advertised later this month
* Human Settlements: Puleng Gadebe-Mabaso retained
* Agriculture and Rural Development: Khululekile Mase retained
'In the following departments, I have appointed acting heads of departments with immediate effect. Will now resume the process of recruitment for permanent appointments: Environment: Matthew Sathekge; Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mpho Nawa; Social Development: Phumla Sekhonyane; Education: Albert Chaane; Community Safety: the appointment is still pending; and Health is also still pending,' said Lesufi.
'I am pleased to have appointed the new head of department for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Motlatjo Moholwa. Mr Moholwa brings with him a wealth of experience in the public service.'
Moholwa has served as the head of economic research
and chief economist in the City of Johannesburg, a lead economist for the Land Bank and the deputy director general in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng Departments of Economic Development.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Ramaphosa says South Africa will engage US over new tariffs as trade challenges loom
President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa's trade relations with the US have historically been complementary in nature. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Banele Ginidza President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the country's commitment to maintaining market access in the face of the United States' recent decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports. This significant shift in trade policy highlights the urgency for South Africa to navigate increasingly turbulent international trade waters and adapt its export strategies. In his latest newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa articulated a dual approach: not only will the government engage with the US to ensure mutually beneficial trade relations, but it will also accelerate the diversification of its export markets by boosting intra-African trade. Recognising the US as South Africa's third-largest trading partner, Ramaphosa acknowledged the measure's potential to disrupt industries heavily dependent on exports to the US, thereby affecting thousands of jobs and the country's fiscal stability. "Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries. As government, we have been engaging the United States to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US," Ramaphosa said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Last month, US President Donald Trump said the sweeping tariffs will apply to 'any and all South African products sent into the United States,' and were being imposed outside of any sectoral trade deals. In a letter dated July 7, Trump said the move was 'necessary to correct the many years of South Africa's Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers,' blaming Pretoria for what he called 'unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States.' However, Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa's trade relations with the US have historically been complementary in nature. He said South African exports did not compete with US producers and did not pose a threat to US industry. "Largely, our exports are inputs into US industries and therefore support the United States' industrial base. South Africa is also the biggest investor from the African continent into the US, with 22 of our companies investing in a number of sectors including, mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and the food chain," he said. "South African imports ultimately benefit US consumers in terms of both choice and cost. By way of example, citrus production is counter-seasonal and does not pose a threat to US production. "Furthermore, production by US companies has been on the decline for a number of years as yhe US sector grapples with low yields, citrus greening disease, and other factors unrelated to competition from imports. Imports from South Africa, the world's second largest citrus exporter, have filled a gap and contributed to stable supply and prices for US consumers."
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Allegations of quota-driven traffic fines raise concerns among Joburg motorists
Motorists in Johannesburg are increasingly becoming cash cows for the city, as alarming allegations emerged that Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers are being pressured to issue a minimum of R7 000 in traffic fines per day. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the alleged quota system, denouncing it as both unethical and unlawful political interference. The party is calling on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to urgently eliminate all revenue-driven policing targets and reinstate integrity within law enforcement. Michael Sun, DA spokesperson for Community Safety, said JMPD officers are being incentivised with overtime pay, turning law enforcement into a money-making exercise instead of focusing on public safety. 'To incentivise compliance with these targets, officers are reportedly provided with overtime payments, effectively transforming law enforcement into a commission-based revenue scheme. This pushes JMPD officers to aggressively pursue fines instead of focusing on their duties, such as bylaw enforcement, traffic management, and crime prevention.' He added that these concerning claims align with the growing trend of JMPD conducting excessive and random roadblocks at busy intersections, not for public safety, but to boost fine collection. 'Many of these operations are non-compliant with the National Road Traffic Act and SAPS Standing Orders. By reclassifying illegal roadblocks as 'roadside checks', JMPD evades crucial legal requirements, including proper authorisation by a senior officer, clear signage, adequate warning to motorists, among others,' Sun added. Responding to the allegations, JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla dismissed the DA's claims as false, stating: 'The JMPD would like to emphasise that our enforcement operations are conducted with the primary goal of maintaining safety and order on the city's roads.' He added that issuing citations is a normal part of an officer's duty when motorists violate traffic laws, describing it as a necessary step to curb lawlessness and encourage responsible driving. However, he firmly denied the existence of any quota system, stating: 'There is no quota that officers are expected to meet.' Fihla reiterated that the department's main priority is promoting compliance with traffic regulations to enhance road safety, not to meet any set number of fines. 'The performance of our officers is measured by their overall effectiveness in creating a safer environment for the community, and one of the ways is to issue citations, not by a predetermined target for fines. The integrity of our operations is paramount, and all actions are taken in strict accordance with the law,' he added. Political analyst Kenneth Mokgatlhe expressed concern over the alleged political interference, saying if the claims are accurate, it represents 'political interference of the highest degree.' He added, 'Corrupt politicians who have looted public funds are now trying to fix their financial mess by targeting poor motorists. The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) financial crisis is well-documented, and they are definitely looking for a shortcut to solve their financial conundrum. Remember that the treasury is on their case regarding their wasteful expenditure.' Mokgatlhe criticised Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, saying he often creates the illusion of action through noise and public spectacle rather than genuinely addressing pressing issues. 'He's all talk and no action. What happened to the poorly performing Heads of Department in his province? Instead of firing them, he simply reshuffled them. 'The ANC leaders are soft when they deal with corruption, especially when members of their factions are involved. Lesufi will not do anything regarding the deteriorating situation at CoJ because he failed to address the crisis at Emfuleni.' He added. With allegations such as these levelled against JMPD, motorists might wonder how the AARTO demerit system will be applied fairly, without putting pressure on metro police officers to meet certain traffic fine targets. The AARTO rollout is scheduled to begin in December 2025, but the points demerit system will not come into effect until 1 September 2026. This important reform aims to encourage responsible driving by assigning demerit points for traffic violations. Accumulating too many points? You could face licence suspensions or cancellations. Organisations such as OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse) and The Automobile Association (AA) have voiced opposition to the demerit system, with OUTA stating: 'It does not address the root causes of accidents, the risk of corruption, and administrative cumbersomeness.' The Star [email protected]
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Allegations of quota-driven traffic fines raise concerns among Joburg motorists
Allegations emerge that JMPD enforces R7,000 daily fine targets, turning policing into a cash grab. The DA demands Premier Lesufi end revenue-based policing and restore public trust. Image: X Motorists in Johannesburg are increasingly becoming cash cows for the city, as alarming allegations emerged that Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers are being pressured to issue a minimum of R7 000 in traffic fines per day. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the alleged quota system, denouncing it as both unethical and unlawful political interference. The party is calling on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to urgently eliminate all revenue-driven policing targets and reinstate integrity within law enforcement. Michael Sun, DA spokesperson for Community Safety, said JMPD officers are being incentivised with overtime pay, turning law enforcement into a money-making exercise instead of focusing on public safety. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'To incentivise compliance with these targets, officers are reportedly provided with overtime payments, effectively transforming law enforcement into a commission-based revenue scheme. This pushes JMPD officers to aggressively pursue fines instead of focusing on their duties, such as bylaw enforcement, traffic management, and crime prevention.' He added that these concerning claims align with the growing trend of JMPD conducting excessive and random roadblocks at busy intersections, not for public safety, but to boost fine collection. 'Many of these operations are non-compliant with the National Road Traffic Act and SAPS Standing Orders. By reclassifying illegal roadblocks as 'roadside checks', JMPD evades crucial legal requirements, including proper authorisation by a senior officer, clear signage, adequate warning to motorists, among others,' Sun added. Responding to the allegations, JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla dismissed the DA's claims as false, stating: 'The JMPD would like to emphasise that our enforcement operations are conducted with the primary goal of maintaining safety and order on the city's roads.' He added that issuing citations is a normal part of an officer's duty when motorists violate traffic laws, describing it as a necessary step to curb lawlessness and encourage responsible driving. However, he firmly denied the existence of any quota system, stating: 'There is no quota that officers are expected to meet.' Fihla reiterated that the department's main priority is promoting compliance with traffic regulations to enhance road safety, not to meet any set number of fines. 'The performance of our officers is measured by their overall effectiveness in creating a safer environment for the community, and one of the ways is to issue citations, not by a predetermined target for fines. The integrity of our operations is paramount, and all actions are taken in strict accordance with the law,' he added. Political analyst Kenneth Mokgatlhe expressed concern over the alleged political interference, saying if the claims are accurate, it represents 'political interference of the highest degree.' He added, 'Corrupt politicians who have looted public funds are now trying to fix their financial mess by targeting poor motorists. The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) financial crisis is well-documented, and they are definitely looking for a shortcut to solve their financial conundrum. Remember that the treasury is on their case regarding their wasteful expenditure.' Mokgatlhe criticised Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, saying he often creates the illusion of action through noise and public spectacle rather than genuinely addressing pressing issues. 'He's all talk and no action. What happened to the poorly performing Heads of Department in his province? Instead of firing them, he simply reshuffled them. 'The ANC leaders are soft when they deal with corruption, especially when members of their factions are involved. Lesufi will not do anything regarding the deteriorating situation at CoJ because he failed to address the crisis at Emfuleni.' He added. With allegations such as these levelled against JMPD, motorists might wonder how the AARTO demerit system will be applied fairly, without putting pressure on metro police officers to meet certain traffic fine targets. The AARTO rollout is scheduled to begin in December 2025, but the points demerit system will not come into effect until 1 September 2026. This important reform aims to encourage responsible driving by assigning demerit points for traffic violations. Accumulating too many points? You could face licence suspensions or cancellations.
