WATCH | Lesufi sweeps out top officials after damning forensic report

Lesufi

Cape Town – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has taken decisive action against several departmental heads following the release of a forensic audit report revealing R1.8 billion in budget underspending and widespread failure to meet service delivery targets in the province.

On Sunday, Lesufi briefed the media on the findings of a newly completed batch of forensic investigation reports compiled by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit.

The announcement follows a previous update delivered on 24 June 2025, during which the Premier revealed the results of 47 earlier reports.

“On the 17th of July, 2025, I responded to matters that came from our ethical council that responded to members or heads of departments thatcould not finish or conclude their lifestyle audits. I also indicated on the 17th of July that there were departments that underspent seriously. The total underspending at the time was R1.8 billion,” said Lesufi while briefing the media on Sunday.

“It has now gone to R1.3 billion after the authorisation of some of the transactions that we requested be carried over. To me, this was a serious underspending by heads of departments. Some departments have missed their departmental performance targets, and we took serious exception,” he said.

Lesufi announced a reshuffle and removal of heads of departments (HODs) across key sectors, including e-government, infrastructure, education, treasury, COGTA, transport, human settlements, agriculture, environmental development, and health, effective from 1 August.

He stressed the importance of ending poor performance and boosting service delivery.

Lesufi also introduced Matlatjo Moholwa as the new HOD for Economic Development, citing his economic expertise as critical for responding to challenges like US trade tariffs and reviving Gauteng’s economy.

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