The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is opening itself up to corrupt practices by irregularly appointing 28 additional graduates without the authority to do so.
It is this sort of behaviour that opens the public purse to corruption, leaving less money available for proper service delivery in our province. This has resulted in the department incurring irregular expenditure to the tune of R426 300,50 for the third quarter of the 2022/2023 financial year.
This information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mbali Hlophe, in a written reply to the DA’s questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
According to MEC Hlophe, the Chief Director approved the additional 28 graduates’ posts without the authority to do so.
This is worrying as officials continue to disregard policies and procedures without being held accountable.
The DA will put pressure on the MEC to act against the Chief Director to ensure that this never happens again and that due processes are followed.
We will also be tabling follow-up questions to determine the exact budget for these 28 additional graduates, what kind of work they are employed to do and the duration of the contract.
Gauteng residents deserve a government committed to following all protocols and procedures when appointing service providers and employees.