R558m irregular expenditure puts Gauteng governance under scrutiny

By Charmaine Ndlela

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has vowed to tighten accountability across the provincial government after a forensic investigation into the controversial Kopanong Precinct project uncovered R558 million in irregular expenditure linked to leases for privately owned buildings.

The findings were among several governance issues highlighted by Lesufi during an update on key Gauteng Provincial Government programmes on Wednesday.

The province also revealed that 3,671 officials have submitted lifestyle audit forms, while 20 officials have been referred for further investigation.

Lesufi said the Kopanong forensic investigation had exposed serious weaknesses in the management of lease agreements involving nine provincial government departments.

The investigation found that there were no proper procurement or approved deviation processes, while contract management was weakened by automatic lease renewals and repeated month-to-month extensions.

It identified R558,079,624.71 in irregular expenditure.

“I have noted the findings of the report and will ensure that all its recommendations are