DA Demands Accountability Over Gauteng’s R1.3 Billion Welfare Scandal

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “devastating collapse in financial oversight” within Gauteng’s Department of Social Development, following the discovery of over R1.3 billion in irregular expenditure. The party warns that the situation is having a severe impact on the province’s most vulnerable citizens, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Between April and December 2024 alone, an additional R210 million was recorded in irregular expenditure—despite multiple warnings from the Auditor-General. No disciplinary action or forensic investigation has been taken, prompting the DA to accuse the provincial leadership of allowing officials and politicians to act with impunity.

“Despite repeated warnings, no investigations have been launched into the Department’s financial mismanagement,” said Alan Fuchs, DA Gauteng Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA). “Officials and politicians act as if the law doesn’t apply to them.”

Allegations of Political Protection and Withheld Reports

According to the DA, Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko have failed in their constitutional duty to ensure accountability. The party further accuses them of protecting politically connected individuals by withholding forensic reports that could uncover the full extent of alleged corruption.

This comes as the Portfolio Committee on Social Development conducted a three-day oversight visit to Gauteng in March, following public outcry and widespread media coverage of the department’s failure to fund several Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs). Many of these NPOs were forced to shut down, leaving countless vulnerable residents without access to basic welfare services.

Department Claims Most NPOs Are Funded

Despite the concerns, the department claims that 95% of eligible NPOs have received funding, with a promise that the rest will be paid by March 31, 2025. MEC Mazibuko announced plans for a public signing ceremony with all funded NPOs to ensure transparency and public access to funding details.

However, deeper issues persist. A major concern raised during the oversight visit was the lack of a universal municipal bylaw governing the legal compliance and operations of NPOs. This regulatory vacuum has made it difficult for the Department to ensure accountability and has led to costly administrative burdens.

“We are forced to allocate a huge portion of our budget to cover compliance costs due to the inconsistent municipal bylaws,” said Onkemetse Kabasia, Deputy Director-General of Gauteng Social Development.

Calls for Legislative Reform and Proper Oversight

Members of the oversight committee, including Tshilidzi Munyai and Chairperson Bridget Masango, emphasized the need for streamlined regulations and legislative reform to support NPOs more effectively. They also underscored the moral obligation to protect vulnerable communities, warning of disturbing similarities to past tragedies like the Life Esidimeni case.

A motion by DA MPL Refiloe Nt’sekhe to initiate a full inquiry into the department’s failures has been delayed, which the DA claims is an attempt to shield ANC-aligned cadres from facing accountability.

“Gauteng Deserves Ethical Leadership” – DA

The DA maintains that under its leadership, Gauteng would see tougher oversight, stricter enforcement of legislation, and immediate action on Auditor-General recommendations.

“Gauteng deserves ethical leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people—especially the poor and vulnerable,” said Fuchs. “Only through accountability can we restore trust in public institutions.”

With billions at stake and countless lives affected, the DA says the time for political protection and silence is over.

{Source: IOL}

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