Lesufi reshuffles several heads of Gauteng departments after reports reveal misconduct
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Sunday announced that he has removed or reshuffled several heads of departments within the provincial government.
He said this comes after forensic investigation reports were released, detailing corruption and maladministration.
'Corruption continues to be one of the country's most pressing challenges, undermining effective governance and sustainable development,' said Lesufi.
Forensic investigation reports into Gauteng departments
He said the reports come after 'a series of under expenditure and underperformance by departments, lifestyle audits, and failures to meet performance targets in some instances'.
ALSO READ: Gauteng government splashes R2.9 million on near-empty office used mainly for photocopies, says DA
As a result of the findings of the reports, Lesufi announced the following changes that have been made to head up Gauteng's departments:
Department of egovernment: Masabata Mutlaneng
Department of infrastructure development: Rufus Mmutlana
Treasury: Ncumisa Mnyani (retained)
Cogta: Darion Barclay (retained)
Transport: Thulani Mdadane (retained, post to be advertised)
Human settlements: Puleng Gadebe-Mabaso (retained)
Agriculture and rural development: Khululekile Mase (retained)
He also announced acting heads for the following departments:
Environment: Matthew Sathekge
Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mpho Nawa
Social Development: Phumla Sekhonyane
Education: Albert Chaane
Community Safety: Pending
Health: Pending
The premier added that the Gauteng government is in the recruitment process for permanent appointments for these departments.
ALSO READ: Lesufi confirms more senior Gauteng officials failed lifestyle audits
He also announced that Motlatjo Moholwa has been appointed as the new head of department for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.
'Mr Moholwa brings with him a wealth of experience in the public service. He 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 (DDG) in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng departments of economic development.'
Reports detail 'wide range of misconduct'
The 39 forensic reports mentioned by Lesufi on Sunday follow the 47 reports announced by the premier on 24 June.
'The released reports detail investigations into serious offences and improper behaviour across multiple departments. They cover a wide range of misconduct, from criminal acts to minor breaches of conduct,' he said on Sunday.
The Gauteng premier said the reports will not be released at this stage, to avoid 'harming the enforcement or implementation of the recommendations'.
'We are aware that releasing certain details early might disrupt ongoing legal cases or make it harder to follow the recommendations, including putting whistleblowers' identities and safety at risk.'
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