Gauteng Community Safety suspensions ‘raises oversight concerns’
The Gauteng legislature’s community safety committee says the recent suspension of two top officials raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has suspended Nontsikelelo Sisulu, the head of the Department of Community Safety, and Mduduzi Malope, the chief financial officer, with immediate effect.
It follows the conclusion of a forensic investigation by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit, which uncovered financial irregularities in the department.
Over the weekend, Lesufi reshuffled several department heads after a forensic report revealed about R1.8 billion in underspending.
The committee’s chairperson, Dr Bandile Masuku, believes there is a clear need to review and strengthen oversight to ensure more scrutiny of departmental financial performance.
“As the oversight body for the Department of Community Safety, the committee views this development with serious concern, particularly as both the HOD and CFO regularly appeared before the committee to present reports on the department’s financial performance,” said Masuku.
“No indications of such irregularities were evident during these engagements, raising important questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms.”
Masuku said the portfolio committee will continue to engage Lesufi’s office and authorities.
“The committee will continue to monitor this matter closely and ensure that public trust is restored.
“It will further seek a full briefing on the forensic report and explore further measures to strengthen financial controls and accountability.”
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