Panyaza Lesufi Cracks The Whip On Community Safety Hod - But Health Remains Pending

Gauteng Premier has suspended Community Safety Head of Department HOD Nontsikelelo Sisulu and Chief Financial Officer CFO Mduduzi Malope with immediate effect.

In a statement on Tuesday 5 August, the Gauteng provincial government said the suspensions are based on a forensic investigation by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit within the Office of the Premier.

The probe, which formed part of 39 investigation reports Lesufi released on 3 August, uncovered financial irregularities in the department. It prompted him to intervene to safeguard the departments integrity.

The precautionary suspensions will ensure fair and unbiased investigations, the provincial government said, adding that an acting HOD and CFO will be appointed.

"The provincial government is committed to restoring public trust by upholding the highest standards of integrity. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct, Lesufi said.

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.

The suspensions follow a reshuffle of HODs Lesufi announced on 3 August to address under-performance and under-expenditure in various departments.

However, he did not appoint acting HODs for Community Safety and Health departments, marking them as pending.

On Tuesday, Democratic Alliance DA member of provincial legislature, Dr Jack Bloom , accused Lesufi of backtracking on the removal of the Health HOD Lesiba Malotana.

This is my conclusion following his terse reply to my oral questions this morning in the Gauteng legislature. I asked whether Lesiba had failed his lifestyle audit, and he said he was awaiting the result of the audit, which was the only one outstanding, Bloom said in a statement.