Opposition tells ‘Mr Clean’ to root out corruption

THE EFF and DA have called on Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul to expose senior government managers who are living lavish lifestyles by benefiting from state tenders but who are failing to disclose their business interests.

According to the 2023/24 Public Service Commission annual report, 53 senior managers in the Northern Cape did not disclose their directorships in public and private companies during the 2022/23 financial year.

This includes five director generals/head of departments (HODs), one deputy director general, five chief directors and 35 directors.

The report also identified 74 directors, 18 chief directors, eight director generals/HODs and four deputy director generals with a potential conflict of interest.

Nine complaints involving state officials in the Northern Cape were also reported to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline.

EFF provincial leader Shadrack Thlaole stated that many senior government officials who were suspended were “sitting at home” while collecting a salary.

“For example, we do not know what the status is of the chief financial officer (CFO) for the Department of Roads and Public Works, Bradley Slingers,” said Thlaole.

Slingers was stopped at a roadblock on the N12 and cash totaling R679,200 was found inside his vehicle in November 2023.

Thlaole criticised the premier for being “reluctant to root out corruption” in his provincial cabinet.

“We cannot tolerate such nonsense. Mr Clean is promoting wrongdoing if he does not take any decisive action. Subordinates will follow the example of their principals, especially when they see that there are no consequences.”

DA provincial leader Harold McGluwa also urged Saul to report on the lifestyle audits of senior managers who were doing business with the state.

He stated that should no steps be taken against these officials, the R7 million spent by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to conduct the lifestyle audits would be wasted.

“Eight out of 10 senior managers in the Northern Cape, including heads of departments and director generals and a further 96 deputy director generals, chief directors and directors were involved in activities that could be construed as posing potential conflicts of interest with the state,” said McGluwa.

“According to the Public Service Commission’s 2023/2024 annual report, 41 percent of senior managers did not disclose their directorships in companies.”

McGluwa stated that these findings were “very serious”.

“Public servants who are wilfully concealing business interests is a red flag for corruption. Conducting business with the state is a criminal offence.”

He highlighted that they were aware of at least two HODs, three CFOs and a chief director who were all still on the payroll, despite being implicated in serious offences.

A spokesperson for the premier, Naledi Gaosekwe, said Saul acknowledged the findings of the PSC report and reaffirmed his commitment to clean and accountable governance.

“In line with the report's recommendations, the premier has instructed all relevant departments to ensure immediate and decisive action is taken to address the concerns raised. This includes strengthening oversight mechanisms, reinforcing ethical standards, and implementing measures to enhance operational efficiency.”

She added that Saul had yet to receive the SIU report on the lifestyle audits, which he had commissioned.

“The premier is committed to the protection of those who expose corruption as well as ensuring that public funds are used for their intended purposes. Once received, the premier will communicate the findings to the public.

“The premier reiterates the government's zero-tolerance stance on misconduct within the public sector. Every effort will be made to maintain public trust by ensuring that any identified shortcomings are promptly rectified and that the highest standards of service delivery are maintained,” Gaosekwe said.