DA: Gauteng Premier’s anti-corruption unit is grossly understaffed

DA Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom has raised concerns about Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s anti-corruption unit.

THE VACANT POSTS AT THE PREMIER’S ANTI-CORRUPTION UNIT

Bloom says Gauteng Premier’s anti-corruption unit is grossly understaffed, with 20 out of 43 posts vacant, including the head position.

“This is revealed by Lesufi in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature,” he said.

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According to Bloom, Lesufi replied that the Provincial Forensic Unit does not have a Chief Director, and is short of 4 investigators as well as vacancies in the following positions:

• Trainee Level 2 – 9 vacancies
• Assistant Director – 3 vacancies
• Deputy Director – 1 vacancy
• Personal Assistant – 1 vacancy
• Administration Clerk – 1 vacancy

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UNIT MARRED BY RESIGNATIONS

It is reported that since January this year, there have been 10 resignations.

“Lesufi says the high turnover rate is because of ‘the high demand of these skills in the market, higher income jobs and career growt’. He says they are head-hunting for a capable and skilled head for the unit,” Bloom reported on the response.

However, the DA Shadow MEC refuted any progress on the claims: “Last year, there were 76 investigation requests, but 47 (62%) of these are still not concluded. One investigation took more than 8 years to be concluded!”

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DA SHADOW MEC OFFERS ADVICE

“This pathetic unit shows the ANC isn’t serious about rooting out corruption, probably because so many of their buddies are implicated,” he added.

Bloom advised that the Gauteng provincial government needs a fully staffed and professional internal investigation unit to speedily root out rampant corruption that deprives residents of vital services.

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