The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) announced on Sunday its decision to subject all officials in Supply Chain Management (SCM) and finance functions to lifestyle audits.
It said this initiative is in line with Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s 2023 State of the Province Address (SOPA) and aims to enhance accountability and combat corruption within the provincial administration.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will oversee these audits through a Secondment Agreement established with the Office of the Premier in 2023.
This agreement underscores the government’s strong commitment to rooting out financial misconduct and malfeasance within its departments and agencies.
The audits will primarily target officials directly involved in procurement and financial decision-making across all GPG departments and entities.
“This initiative reinforces our commitment to ethical governance and accountability, said Lesufi.
“By implementing proactive measures to combat corruption, we are fostering a culture of transparency and responsible leadership within the Gauteng Provincial Government. Public trust in government institutions is of utmost importance and these lifestyle audits will serve as a critical tool in restoring and maintaining that trust.”
The provincial government said the lifestyle audits process is being implemented in a phased-in approach.
To set the tone for ethical leadership and walking the talk, the first phase involved lifestyle audits being conducted on the Premier and Members of the Executive (MECs).
The second phase involved Accounting Officers (HoDs and CEOs) of GPG departments and entities.
“This initiative represents a significant step toward safeguarding public resources, promoting good governance, and ensuring that government officials operate within ethical and legal frameworks,” said Lesufi.
“The Gauteng Provincial Government remains resolute in its fight against corruption and will continue to implement measures that promote integrity, efficiency, and accountability.”
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