Lesufi Suspends Two Top Gauteng Safety Officials Over Financial Scandal

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has swung the axe on two senior community safety bosses after a forensic audit unearthed troubling financial irregularities, signalling his administration’s growing intolerance for corruption.

On Tuesday, 5 August, Lesufi announced the immediate suspension of Nontsikelelo Sisulu, Head of the Department of Community Safety, and the department’s Chief Financial Officer, Mduduzi Malope. The decision follows a damning investigation by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit, which operates within the Office of the Premier.

A Forensic Shake Up

The suspensions are part of a wider clean-up campaign that has seen Lesufi release 39 forensic investigation reports to the public, adding to the 47 reports he disclosed in June this year. The Premier said the move is a precaution to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and ensure the probe remains free from influence.

“We are committed to restoring public trust by upholding the highest standards of integrity. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct,” Lesufi told the media. “Through proactive measures, we will strengthen governance, ensure the ethical use of public funds, and safeguard the interests of Gauteng residents.”

Acting officials will be appointed to keep service delivery on track while the suspensions are in effect.

The Bigger Picture

This latest development follows Lesufi’s warning in July about underperforming departments and serious underspending — to the tune of R1.8 billion at the time. Although the figure has since been revised to R1.3 billion, Lesufi described it as “unacceptable,” citing missed performance targets and a growing backlog in service delivery.

“Departments cannot afford to miss their targets when service delivery is already under strain,” he said. “Some departments are simply not performing to standard, and as a result, I have acted decisively to reshuffle and reset leadership.”

Public Reaction and Political Context

The suspensions have sparked a mixed response. Some Gauteng residents and social media commentators applauded Lesufi’s transparency and tough stance on governance, calling it a “step in the right direction.” Others remain sceptical, questioning whether the action will lead to lasting reform or if it’s merely a short-term political gesture.

Corruption in provincial government departments has long been a thorn in the side of service delivery in Gauteng. For many residents, especially those in communities where safety services are already stretched thin, the hope is that Lesufi’s clampdown will translate into real, on-the-ground improvements.

Looking Ahead

Whether this bold move will mark a turning point for Gauteng’s governance remains to be seen. But with Lesufi promising more accountability and zero tolerance for financial misconduct, it’s clear that the political winds in the province are shifting — and senior officials can no longer expect to weather the storm unscathed.

Source:IOL 

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