Premier Panyaza Lesufi gives an update on release of forensic investigations reports

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Premier Panyaza Lesufi gives an update on release of forensic investigations reports 

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, good morning. Welcome to our media briefing, where we are releasing the findings of concluded forensic investigation reports finalised by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit in the Office of the Premier. This forms part of our broader commitment to transparent and accountable governance in Gauteng. 

This latest consignment follows an earlier public release that took place on 24 June 2025, where we made public the outcomes of 47 forensic reports. It reaffirms the Gauteng Provincial Government’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption and maladministration. Corruption continues to be one of the country's most pressing challenges, undermining effective governance and sustainable development. While Gauteng is not exempt from this issue, the province has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating corruption through proactive measures, institutional reforms, and enhanced accountability mechanisms. 

These efforts reflect a dedicated approach to fostering transparency, integrity, and long-term progress. Under its G-13 priorities for the seventh administration, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has prioritised combating corruption and transparency, and openness are essential in the fight against corruption. By upholding these principles, public institutions can foster a culture of accountability and integrity, ensure ethical governance, and restore public confidence. 

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. 

The breakdown of the reports is as follows: 

• GDARD - 10 reports 

• Education - 7 reports 

• Roads and Transport - 4 reports 

• Health - 4 reports 

• Infrastructure Development – 3 reports 

• GGB- Economic Development - 2reports 

• Economic Development – 1 report 

• Gauteng Tourism/Economic Development – 1 report 

• GLB-Economic Development – 1 report 

• GGDA-Economic Development – 1 report 

• e-Government – 1 report 

• Treasury – 1 report 

• G-FLEET – 1 report 

• GPT/Education – 1 report 

• Medical Supply Depot – 1 report 

These provincial departments are implementing the recommendations, which include establishing disciplinary action, strengthening weak or compromised internal controls, and filing criminal cases with the South African Police Service (SAPS). In addition, they must pursue damages from implicated employees using the Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure Framework. Under the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, departments are also required to file civil claims within the stipulated timeframe. 

Furthermore, following supply chain management procedures and regulations, service providers involved in dishonest or unlawful activity will also be blacklisted. 

Through quarterly reports to the Premier and the Provincial AntiCorruption Coordinating Committee, the Office of the Premier monitors the fulfilment of the recommendations from the forensic investigation findings, including recoveries. 

We repeat our posture as the provincial government: all reports will be released step by step after all legal issues are resolved. We will not make them public too soon if doing so could harm 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. 

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. 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. 

Reallocation of Heads of Departments 

On the 17 July 2025, when I delivered the Budget Vote Speech at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, I announced the resetting of the Gauteng Provincial Administration as per the recommendations from the Gauteng Ethics and Advisory Council (GEAC). This follows a series of under expenditure and underperformance by departments, lifestyle audits, and failures to meet performance targets in some instances. 

The following changes of Heads of Departments have thus been effected as of 1 August 2025 as follows: 

• 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) 

In the following departments I have appointed Acting HOD’s. We are in the recruitment process for permanent appointments. 

 • Environment: Matthew Sathekge 

 • Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mpho Nawa 

 • Social Development: Phumla Sekhonyane 

 • Education: Albert Chaane 

 • Community Safety: Pending 

• Health: Pending 

Appointment of Economic Development Head of Department 

It also gives me great pleasure to announce that we have appointed a new HOD for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Mr Motlatjo Moholwa. 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. I am confident that he will serve with utmost diligence and commitment and help us achieve our goal of growing the Gauteng economy. Inter-governmental Relations 

On 25 July 2025, I convened a meeting with all municipalities in the province. We received a report and deliberated on the following matters: 

• State of readiness of Group (G20) Leaders’ Summit 

• Report from the Cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg, on the state of readiness for the Urban20 

• The State of Gauteng Municipal Finances for the period ending 31 May 2025 

• The State of Local Government Performance: Service Delivery Measures and Interventions 

• Analytical Report on the Crime Prevention initiative in the Municipalities across the Province 

• Update Report on the notice of investigation into allegations of maladministration and improper conduct by various organs of state in addressing issues of sinkholes plaguing Khutsong residents 

• Framework for Municipal Indigent Policies & Rollout of Indigent Register 

We continue to ensure that all spheres of government in Gauteng work together to ensure improved service delivery and economic prosperity for all. Our priority is to ensure stability in the provincial government and continue to uphold the pillars of the Gauteng Anti-Corruption Strategy, preventing, detecting, investigating, and responding swiftly to alleged acts of corruption. 

We must emphasise our shared responsibility in combating this issue, as corruption undermines development and deprives citizens of opportunities for a better life. 

Everyone has a role to play in fighting this problem. Gauteng hosts LIV Golf Tournament Gauteng is proud to host the multibillion golf tournament, which will be hosted for the first time on the African soil in March 2026 in Steyn City. The tournament will see 54 top golfers from around the world coming to South Africa. This milestone continues to prove that Gauteng remains the preferred destination to host world class major events and to invest. 

We sincerely thank the Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, for ensuring Gauteng is the host province and for providing all the necessary support. We urge South Africans to support the tournament in their numbers. 

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