The DA in Gauteng has demanded transparency from Premier Panyaza Lesufi by publishing the lifestyle audits of officials and heads of departments.
For his second State of the Province Address (Sopa) under the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) last week, Lesufi highlighted that the lifestyle audits of all officials and CEOs of the Gauteng provincial government agencies were complete.
The premier said he received a full report from the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and will provide an update in the coming weeks, where those implicated will be held accountable.
“Last time we met like this, we committed to conducting lifestyle audits on all heads of departments and CEOs of the Gauteng provincial government (GPG) agencies. This work has been completed. We have just received a report from the Special Investigating Unit,” said Lesufi.
Despite Lesufi’s dedication to clamping down on corruption, the DA’s provincial caucus leader, Solly Msimanga, stated the premier’s efforts in conducting lifestyle audits had become “monotonous”.
At last year’s Sopa, Lesufi promised to deliver lifestyle scrutiny of MECs, but a report is yet to be released.
“For a long time now, we have been told about lifestyle audits that are near completion, yet year in and year out, we never receive the results of these audits. If Lesufi has nothing to hide or is not shielding anyone, he must do the right thing to make the lifestyle audits public,” said Msimanga.
Msimanga reiterated that publishing the lifestyle audits would show Lesufi is heading a clean provincial government, therefore attracting potential investors and fostering job creation.
“Enough with delays, as this will hamper the growth of this province’s economy. Investors need to be reassured that the GPG is committed to creating a conducive environment for the economy to grow and job creation to take place.”
He furthermore called for Lesufi to take swift action against those guilty of living beyond their means. “We cannot have a situation where officials and MECs, despite not passing the lifestyle audit are kept in their positions because of cadre deployment. Lesufi must outline what action will be taken against them.”
Following the insidious divorce of the ANC and DA marriage in forming a provincial multiparty government, Msimanga refuted that demanding transparency from the premier’s office was not revenge.
Instead, he said: “A lifestyle audit report was promised to the people of Gauteng for six years by former premier David Makhura. This was also promised by the current premier, Lesufi. Lesufi promised the residents that lifestyle audits will be conducted during his Sopa speech.”
He further noted the DA would have still called for a lifestyle audit had it been part of the GPU. “Yes. This would have happened, because the DA believes in good governance, accountability and transparency. This is the norm in the Western Cape, where the DA governs,” said Msimanga.
Msimanga said the performance agreements that MECs are set to sign must be made public so that they can be held accountable.
Additionally, he indicated that a DA government would ensure regular lifestyle audits are conducted, and made public. “By doing so, the residents of this province will receive the service delivery they deserve,” said Msimanga.
The Star