Premier Lesufi shields corrupt officials by not releasing lifestyle audits

Premier Panyaza Lesufi continues to duck and dive when it comes to releasing the lifestyle audit reports of senior managers in Gauteng’s departments. Despite repeated promises of transparency, the premier has chosen secrecy over accountability.

During a recent sitting of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Lesufi claimed that the lifestyle audit reports were in the hands of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

However, the SIU has since confirmed that the reports were long handed over to the Premier’s Office. This contradiction exposes the premier’s dishonesty and raises serious questions about what he is hiding and who he is protecting.

It is becoming clear that Lesufi is shielding entrenched ANC criminal networks that continue to loot public resources.

One such example is suspended Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness Head of Department (HOD) Arnold Lesiba Malotana, who reportedly failed the lifestyle audit. Malotana is implicated in a R10 million kickback scandal and was among the signatories who approved a security tender to Triotic Protection Services, a company linked to Tshwane ANC Deputy Mayor Eugene ‘Bones’ Modise.

Despite the damning findings, Malotana remains on suspension, drawing a salary funded by taxpayers when he should have been dismissed long ago. This is not accountability; it is protection. The exercise of suspending rather than dismissing involved officials only keeps the same individuals recycled through government, shielded by political connections and the Premier’s protection.

For a corruption-free Gauteng, Premier Lesufi must publicly release the lifestyle audit reports without delay. Gauteng residents deserve to know which officials live beyond their means while they suffer in a province riddled with service delivery issues

Solly Msimanga MPL, DA Gauteng Leader of the Official Opposition