Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has taken decisive action by suspending the Head of Department (HOD) Nontsikelelo Sisulu and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mduduzi Malope of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety with immediate effect. This step follows the revelation of significant financial irregularities uncovered during a forensic investigation conducted by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit, operating from within the Office of the Premier.
Lesufi, addressing the media on the matter, stated that the need for such suspensions arose from the “damning irregularities,” which compelled him to take action to “safeguard the department’s integrity.” Emphasising the critical nature of the situation, he remarked that these suspensions have been instituted as precautionary measures, aimed at ensuring that the ongoing investigations remain fair and unbiased.
“The provincial government is committed to restoring public trust by upholding the highest standards of integrity,” stated Lesufi. “We maintain a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct. Through proactive and corrective measures, we will strengthen governance, ensure the ethical and responsible use of public funds, and safeguard the interests of Gauteng residents.”
In a bid to ensure continuity in service delivery while the investigations proceed, Lesufi indicated that an acting HOD and CFO would be appointed promptly. This suspension comes in the wake of the Premier’s recent release of 47 reports, exposing instances of fraud and corruption across multiple provincial departments.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has responded positively to the suspensions, viewing them as a commendable commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and accountability within the provincial administration. Dr Bandile Masuku, chairperson of the committee, acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“As the oversight body for the Department of Community Safety, the Committee views this development with serious concern, particularly as both the HOD and CFO regularly appeared before the committee to present reports on the department’s financial performance. No indications of such irregularities were evident during these engagements, raising important questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms,” Masuku noted.
In light of these revelations, the committee has urged the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to conduct a review and fortify its Sector Oversight Model—a move intended to implement more robust accountability measures, as well as intensifying efforts to prevent and uncover financial mismanagement.
