Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi faces fresh allegations of corruption coverup after a whistleblower claimed he was central to concealing fraud and graft within the Department of Social Development.
Story Summary:
- Whistleblower accuses Lesufi of covering up fraud within the Department of Social Development.
- Suspended officials allegedly involved in the scandal have been reinstated.
- AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit is monitoring the situation, threatening legal action.
Panyaza Lesufi embroiled in alleged corruption coverup
According to a whistleblower, Lesufi played a significant role in halting disciplinary action against several officials implicated in corruption and money laundering schemes that cost the provincial government hundreds of millions of rands.
The corruption allegations are connected to the mismanagement of funds meant for the DSD’s foodbank, school uniform, and dignity pack programs aimed at assisting non-governmental organisations.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, which represents the whistleblower, has seen forensic reports that call for disciplinary and criminal action against the involved officials.
According to AfriForum, Lesufi is accused of allowing a law firm to review these reports in a way that exonerated the officials and led to the suspension of the disciplinary hearings.
The officials, initially suspended between September 2023 and January 2024, were later reinstated to their positions.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit spokesperson Barry Bateman expressed concern over the premier’s alleged involvement.
“The whistleblower suggests that Premier Lesufi is blocking internal and criminal investigations into the implicated officials, possibly fearing that further probes will expose higher-level beneficiaries of these illicit funds,” said Bateman.
Whistleblower implicates Lesufi in fraud case within Gauteng Social Development
The whistleblower further alleges that Lesufi’s actions may amount to a violation of Section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
This section obliges public officials to report suspected corrupt activities to law enforcement.
Advocate Gerrie Nel, who heads AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, warned Lesufi in a formal letter that his inaction might be interpreted as an attempt to shield the officials and prevent the discovery of the full scale of the fraud.
Nel also hinted that the matter could be taken to court to compel Lesufi to perform his duties.
Despite the gravity of these allegations, Lesufi has yet to respond formally.
His spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, stated that the premier is reviewing the reports and will provide an official response after careful consideration.
Pamla encouraged anyone with information about corruption to report it to law enforcement agencies.
Lesufi’s controversy continues amid GNU criticism
Lesufi has also been in the spotlight recently for reasons beyond the corruption claims.
He deactivated his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday after being summoned to Luthuli House, following remarks that were perceived as critical of the ANC’s Government of National Unity (GNU).
This move came after a confrontation with Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chairperson Helen Zille over the removal of Cilliers Brink as Tshwane mayor, and his public dispute with ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula regarding coalition governance.