Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
04 March 2025 | 11:56 CAT

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) said that all officials working in Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Finance will undergo lifestyle audits to promote transparency and ethical governance.

The Gauteng government has intensified its efforts to combat corruption with the implementation of lifestyle audits, carried out by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) under a secondment agreement with the Office of the Premier. The initiative, aimed at ensuring transparency and ethical governance, will scrutinize the financial activities of key government officials.

Speaking on the initiative, Gauteng government spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga emphasized its significance in addressing corruption. “It is very important. This is one of the many steps we have taken as a province. Initially, we introduced an open tender system under Premier Makura to ensure transparency. We also engaged an ethics committee, chaired by former Auditor-General Dr. Terence Mbembe, to guide us in ethical governance,” Mhaga told Radio Islam International.

The lifestyle audits are particularly focused on key accounting officers, such as heads of departments (HODs) and chief executive officers (CEOs), given their influence over financial decision-making within government structures. Mhaga noted, “Issues of money are concentrated in supply chain management (SCM), which is why we are targeting those who manage government procurement and payments.”

The phased approach of the audits involves assessing officials’ bank details, declared assets, income sources, and overall financial standing. The SIU will then identify any discrepancies and require officials to provide justifications. Mhaga explained, “If inconsistencies are found, individuals will be questioned to clarify their financial status. The SIU is handling the technical aspects of the process.”

The audits are expected to cover a significant number of employees across all 13 government departments in Gauteng. The SIU will coordinate with department heads to establish a schedule for the investigations.

When asked about public access to the findings, Mhaga clarified that while the government will release an overview of the results, full reports may not be publicly disclosed. “We will provide a broader summary, and any unresolved issues will be addressed. The legislature, an open and accountable forum, will receive updates, and we will issue statements as necessary,” he stated.

This move underscores the province’s commitment to curbing financial misconduct and ensuring accountability within government operations.

Listen to Annisa Essack’s and Vuyo Mhaga’s full interview on Radio Islam International.