Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Crezane Bosch MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng notes the delayed suspension of both the Head of Department (HOD) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety. We view this as reactive governance, where issues are addressed after they escalate into crises, which is unfair to our people. Furthermore, it highlights the deep-rooted instability and governance failures within the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, which is directly overseen by Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
This department is supposed to play a critical role in ensuring the safety of Gauteng’s residents; however, leadership instability is compromising its strategic direction, operational oversight, and accountability in crime prevention programmes. These suspensions raise serious questions about the internal control systems and oversight mechanisms in place, or the lack thereof.
The department’s annual reports have consistently highlighted financial irregularities, yet no corrective actions have been taken. Why is action finally being taken now? And why only these two officials? Would it not have been more beneficial for the citizens of Gauteng to suspend these senior officials when the R9.7 million pistol procurement scandal became controversial?
If wrongdoing is suspected, prompt precautionary measures should be taken, and investigations should be concluded swiftly to avoid prolonged suspensions and unnecessary salary expenses.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would appoint senior officials based on merit and hold them accountable for underperformance. In cases where suspensions occur, we would ensure the immediate appointment of interim leadership so that safety programmes and oversight of SAPS continue without disruption. We would also keep the public informed about the reasons for suspensions, the progress of investigations, and the outcomes.
The DA Gauteng will continue to fight against political interference and weak management of this minority government, which remains a barrier between the people of Gauteng and the safety they deserve.