The Democratic Alliance (DA) is seeking a legal opinion and engaging with the Information Regulator following Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s denial of its appeal to release 177 forensic reports through the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).
Despite Premier Lesufi’s previous pronouncements that he has released all forensic reports, this denial of access to the reports proves that he lied once again.
Premier Lesufi is shielding corrupt officials and has no intention of clamping down on corruption that takes away money from service delivery to the residents of this province.
The Premier is using all the tricks in the book to block the DA from seeing the forensic reports and the recommendations they contain.
The DA can reveal that some of the reports disclose that hundreds of millions of rands of public money has been stolen – because whistleblowers have taken the DA into their confidence on the findings.
We also know that there are certain individuals, against whom the investigators recommended actions be taken. Yet these individuals, some of whom were once suspended, are now back at work.
It is unacceptable that Premier Lesufi keeps the public in the dark about the depth of corruption and maladministration in the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG).
Our residents deserve a government that is open and honest about officials and MECs who are breaking the law, or undermining due process when it comes to the awarding of tenders and the procurement of goods and services.
A DA Gauteng provincial government would give whistleblowers the protection they need when they come forward with information regarding alleged corruption.
Furthermore, a DA Gauteng government would deal with alleged corruption cases quickly so that officials are not on suspension for months on end while a decision is reached.
We will use all mechanisms available including the courts to force Premier Lesufi to release all 177 forensic reports.