Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has once again refuted accusations of corruption levelled against him by AfriForum and the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The allegations surfaced following claims that Lesufi has been concealing over 58 outstanding forensic reports that implicate prominent members of the ANC, further intensifying the ongoing tensions within the Gauteng political landscape.
The controversy erupted when the DA accused Lesufi of doctoring and withholding critical reports just a day before Lesufi took to the media to address these serious allegations.
Lesufi is at the centre of a conspiracy involving “rampant corruption, money laundering, and fraud” within the Provincial Government, according to a report by AfriForum published in The Star.
This claim comes amid a scandal surrounding the Gauteng Department of Social Development, where 13 officials who had been embroiled in various forensic investigations since 2016 were reportedly reinstated by current MEC Faith Mazibuko after prior suspensions.
In light of the allegations, former MEC Mbali Hlophe is reported to have also voiced her disapproval, condemning the reinstatement of these officials as detrimental to fairness, especially considering upcoming disciplinary proceedings. Hlophe’s comments add weight to the ongoing scrutiny regarding integrity within the provincial ranks.
Responding to the allegations, Lesufi described the claims as a “smear campaign” orchestrated by the DA, particularly in light of the failed Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) discussions.
“I am sure many of you have now witnessed the relentless and desperate campaign the DA is running to first unseat me as premier, and second to destabilise and choke the GP Province.
“The DA has vowed to do this since I am deemed to have robbed them of a seat at the GP table based on the announcement of the GPU. It must be noted that the DA was given an opportunity to participate in the GPU but chose not to.
“Instead, they threw at us what we deemed as unreasonable demands that we could not accept. Now they are running a campaign to paint me as corrupt, irrational and an ANC rogue,” Lesufi said.
He conveyed frustration at the DA’s refusal to participate in the GPU discussions, asserting that their unreasonable demands led to a breakdown in negotiations.
Regarding the 13 implicated officials, Lesufi clarified that they were placed on special leave between November 2023 and January 2024 to avoid tampering with evidence and intimidating witnesses.
He assured the public that once the investigations are concluded, their outcomes will be made public.
“This would not be the first time that the provincial government releases an investigative report to the public,” he said, referring to previous disclosures made in December 2022 regarding various cases.
On Tuesday, DA provincial chairperson Solly Msimanga insisted that Lesufi is protecting politically connected ANC figures by concealing forensic reports that could unveil systemic corruption.
Msimanga specifically cited reports related to the Sustainable Livelihoods programme, urging accountability to benefit the community.
Lesufi has acknowledged that several outstanding reports, including those related to the Anglo Ashanti and Tembisa hospitals, are currently being finalised for public release.
“The internal disciplinary process for the implicated Anglo Ashanti officials is in the closing argument stage, while law enforcement agencies are handling the criminal aspects of the case,” he explained.
Furthermore, he noted that the Special Investigating Unit has been granted authority to probe the Tembisa Hospital under a new proclamation, expanding their investigative powers.
Lesufi said contrary to popular belief, his administration is committed to transparency and good governance, asserting that the Gauteng Provincial Government is dedicated to institutionalising integrity in its operations.
“While we are committed to making reports public, we must allow the investigators space and time to conclude their work,” he stated.
The Star