SIU begins lifestyle audits of DBE officials in anti-corruption drive

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has begun conducting lifestyle audits of senior officials and employees in high‑risk roles within the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the department said on Monday as it steps up efforts to protect public funds for schools.

Who is being audited and why

The audits target senior officials and employees working in areas the DBE described as vulnerable to corruption, including procurement and human resources. The department said lifestyle audits are a recognised tool to identify unexplained wealth and corruption risks among public officials.

Minister frames audits as part of wider anti‑corruption campaign

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced the start of the audits and described the move as a key milestone in her commitment to strengthen accountability and protect education funds. The DBE said the audits form part of a broader campaign to root out corruption and ensure taxpayer money is spent on improving education rather than enriching corrupt individuals.

“I promised the people of South Africa that I would fight to protect every rand meant for education, and that promise remains unchanged.”

The department added that every rand lost to corruption is money taken away from classrooms, teachers and children.

Goals and expected outcomes

The DBE said the objective of the audits is to identify, isolate and eliminate corruption risks so government resources are directed towards improving education, expanding opportunities for pupils and ensuring public funds benefit schools instead of being diverted to corrupt networks. The department said strengthening internal accountability will help safeguard public investment and reinforce public confidence.

Who the department says it serves

The DBE reaffirmed its responsibility to the country’s learners and teachers, noting the department serves 13.7 million children in schools and 485 000 teachers.

What this step means

The commencement of SIU‑led lifestyle audits is the latest step the department described as intended to detect corruption, prevent misuse of public funds and strengthen governance within the education system.