Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi on Sunday released several reports following multiple investigations into serious offences and improper behaviour across multiple departments. 

He said the investigations covered a wide range of misconduct, from criminal acts to minor breaches of conduct.

“The reports we are presenting today will be accessible to all the members of the public once the State Law Advisory Services finishes redacting personal details and reviewing the changes,” said Lesufi.

“Protecting whistleblowers is essential for transparency and justice. They risk their safety to expose corruption and abuse of power, helping ensure accountability and ethical governance.”

On the relocation of heads of departments, Panyaza said his reshuffle follows recommendations from the Gauteng Ethics and Advisory Council (GEAC).

“It would take me long if I have to go through every department. We have made this information available to you, and it is also going to be available on our website,” said Lesufi.

“I also want to bring to your attention that on 17 July 2025, I responded to matters that came from our GEAC that responded to the heads of departments that could not finish our conclude their lifestyle audits. 

“I also indicated that there were departments that underspent seriously, the total underspend at that time stood at R1.8 billion which has now gone to R1.3 billion after the authorisation of some of the transactions that we requested to be carried over,” he said.

Earlier this year, IOL reported that Lesufi condemned his administration for returning about R1.8 billion to the National Treasury after underspending on its annual budget. At the time, Lesufi acknowledged a marginal improvement in financial management but said returning unspent funds amid rising community needs cannot be justified.

On Sunday, Lesufi described the under-expenditure as “a serious underperformance” by the heads of departments.

“They are also heads of departments that have missed their performance targets and we took serious exception, that with the challenges that we are facing, of service delivery, we can’t afford departments that are missing performance targets. 

“We also found some audit outcomes which indicated that some departments are not performing ideally. Within that context, I have taken a decision to reshuffle and reset heads of departments, and remove other heads of departments from their responsibilities,” he said.

From 1 August, these are the new heads of departments of the departments in Gauteng:

* Department of eGovernment: Masabata Mutlaneng, coming from infrastructure development department

* Department of Infrastructure Development: Rufus Mmutlana, moved from department of education

* Treasury: Ncumisa Mnyani retained

* COGTA: Darion Barclay retained

* Transport: Dr Thulani Mdadane retained but the post will be advertised later this month

* Human Settlements: Puleng Gadebe-Mabaso retained

* Agriculture and Rural Development: Khululekile Mase retained

“In the following departments, I have appointed acting heads of departments with immediate effect. Will now resume the process of recruitment for permanent appointments: Environment: Matthew Sathekge; Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mpho Nawa; Social Development: Phumla Sekhonyane; Education: Albert Chaane; Community Safety: the appointment is still pending; and Health is also still pending,” said Lesufi.

“I am pleased to have appointed the new head of department for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Motlatjo Moholwa. Mr Moholwa brings with him a wealth of experience in the public service.”

Moholwa has served as the head of economic research

and chief economist in the City of Johannesburg, a lead economist for the Land Bank and the deputy director general in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng Departments of Economic Development.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

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