Probe ordered into spending on Gauteng government buildings

By Thapelo Molefe

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has ordered an independent forensic investigation into the provincial government’s R34 million monthly office lease expenditure amid mounting public outrage over wasteful spending and neglected state-owned buildings.

It follows recent media reports revealing that the Gauteng department of infrastructure development (GDID) spends R34 million every month leasing 11 office buildings in Johannesburg’s central business district.

And at least 41 government-owned properties – 12 in Johannesburg and 29 in Pretoria – remain vacant due to non-compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

In a statement issued on Monday, Lesufi confirmed that he had summoned infrastructure development MEC Jacob Mamabolo and the department’s acting accounting officer for an urgent meeting, during which a preliminary report was presented to him. 

Following the briefing, the premier has announced a series of steps to address the situation. 

An independent forensic firm will be appointed to assess whether the