(The Post News)- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is facing serious allegations of shielding corrupt officials by withholding forensic reports that reveal extensive corruption and maladministration within the province’s Social Development Department. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been vocal in its demands for the release of these reports, which it claims have been completed and withheld since 2019.
The DA’s concerns were highlighted during a press briefing, where Solly Msimnga revealed that the party had formally requested access to all completed forensic reports, but Premier Lesufi has failed to release them, raising concerns about a potential cover-up. The DA argues that by withholding these reports, Lesufi is protecting corrupt officials and undermining efforts to combat corruption.
Some of the reports in question include those on AngloGold Ashanti, Tembisa Hospital, and the Driving Licence Testing Centre. However, many others remain undisclosed. The DA claims that multiple forensic investigations have been conducted to uncover corrupt activities within various government departments.
A forensic audit into the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Sustainable Livelihoods program has reportedly uncovered damning evidence of financial mismanagement and potential fraud. The audit revealed that the program’s director, July Maphosa, resigned in 2018 amidst accusations of fraud and soliciting bribes. Furthermore, the audit uncovered a pattern of suspicious financial transactions, with a significant portion of the program’s annual budget between 2014 and 2018 being channeled to three non-profit organizations that shared directors.
In response to the allegations, Premier Lesufi took to social media to deny any wrongdoing, stating that he released all the reports on December 12, 2022, and challenging the DA to specify which reports remain undisclosed. However, the DA is not convinced and has announced plans to escalate the matter to the Auditor General and the Public Protector if the reports are not released promptly.
The DA is urging Premier Lesufi to adhere to the recommendations of the released reports and initiate recovery of funds lost to corrupt practices. The party’s persistence in seeking transparency and accountability is commendable, and it’s essential that Premier Lesufi takes concrete steps to address these allegations and ensure that corruption is tackled head-on.
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