The DA Johannesburg backs the move towards regulations for lifestyle audits in municipalities – something we have been demanding for some time.
We have already written three letters calling for lifestyle audits in the City of Johannesburg: to the Executive Mayor, the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and the SIU.
But lifestyle audits must come with real consequence management.
Too often, officials facing allegations of misconduct or maladministration simply leave the municipality before accountability processes are concluded. They resign, retire, or move on – while investigations stall and residents are left to carry the cost.
That culture must end.
Lifestyle audits must identify unexplained wealth, trigger proper investigations and, where wrongdoing is established, result in consequences and the recovery of public funds.
The continued haemorrhaging of public funds is unacceptable and must be met with swift action and consequences for those responsible.
If elected, we will strictly enforce a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and mismanagement. Poor audit findings will no longer be ignored; they will carry consequences for the individuals concerned. The DA will ensure that municipal accounting officers personally repay losses caused by their actions or, in some cases, their failure to act.
We will continue to fight for transparency, accountability, and consequence management.
Under a DA government, municipal officials will be expected to account for their actions and for the wealth they acquire while serving the public.