By Johnathan Paoli
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act application demanding the release of 177 forensic investigation reports from Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The party argues that Gauteng residents have a fundamental right to know the outcomes of these investigations, which could reveal the extent of corruption in government departments.
On Thursday, DA provincial leader Solly Msimanga emphasised the need for transparency as well as his party’s role in keeping members of the executive accountable.
“As the official opposition, it is our duty to ensure that all recommendations in these reports are implemented appropriately,” Msimanga said in a statement.
He expressed frustration over repeated requests to access the reports, which have largely gone unanswered, culminating in a missed deadline this past Monday.
“The reluctance of Premier Lesufi to provide these reports raises serious concerns. If he has nothing to hide, he should have released these documents long ago,” he said.
He further accused the premier of attempting to shield corrupt officials and politicians who may be benefiting from questionable government tenders.
The DA claims to have received information from multiple whistleblowers regarding ongoing corruption within various Gauteng government departments.
Notably, one whistleblower recently leaked portions of a forensic investigation into the social development department, alleging widespread malfeasance.
“Corruption diverts vital funds that could be used to improve essential services for our residents,” Msimanga noted.
He underscored the urgency of addressing these issues and expressed disappointment that the DA had to resort to a PAIA application to access reports that should have been publicly available from the start.
Once the party receives and reviews the forensic reports, the DA will approach Chapter Nine institutions, including the Public Protector, Auditor-General and the Public Service Commission to further investigate the findings.
