Mweli says he will undergo lifestyle audit, disputes reporting on refusal

Mathanzima Hubert Mweli, director-general of the Department of Basic Education, says he supports lifestyle audits in the public service and is willing to undergo one, but has criticised how some reporting characterised his position.

Statement and timeline

In a public statement issued on Monday, 21 September 2026 via his attorneys, Mweli said he had proposed voluntary lifestyle audits for himself, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule, and had encouraged deputy directors-general to participate.

Dispute focused on process, not accountability

Mweli rejected reports that he had refused to undergo an audit, saying

“Some of that reporting has characterised my position as a refusal to undergo a lifestyle audit. That characterisation does not reflect my position.”

He said his concerns related to how the process would be conducted, not to whether audits should take place.

Confidentiality and framework

Mweli told reporters that he had engaged the head of the Special Investigating Unit to arrange the audits and that discussions were already underway when the audits were later publicly presented as an instruction by the minister.

He emphasised the need to protect sensitive personal and financial information and to follow the public-service framework, including the Guide to Implement Lifestyle Audits in the Public Service, which he said sets standards for confidentiality, fairness, independence, due care and professionalism. As he put it,

“My concern is that the process relating to me be conducted in accordance with that framework.”

Defending his record

Mweli also rejected implications that his position raised questions about his integrity or responsibility for public funds. He noted his public service career and his tenure as director-general of the department and said he recognised scrutiny and accountability as inherent in public office:

“I have served the South African public and government for over 40 years and have served as director-general of the department of basic education since 2015.”

He added that, because of the confidential nature of lifestyle audits, he did not intend to debate details of the process publicly and that his focus remained on the responsibilities of his office and the work of the department.

Reporting note

The reporting frames the disagreement as centred on the process and interpretation of lifestyle audits rather than opposition to audits themselves.