Gauteng’s Governance in Crisis: Ethics Report Highlights Corruption and Lack of Accountability
A recent report from the Gauteng Ethics Advisory Council (GEAC) has unveiled a concerning reality: 37% of senior executives in Gauteng’s provincial government are considered high-risk due to unexplained wealth or spending far beyond their income. Released as part of the 2025 Biennial Report, the findings highlight a governance crisis riddled with corruption, political interference, and a lack of accountability.
Gauteng Governance on Shaky Ground
The report reveals that Gauteng’s governance structures are mired in impunity and ethical paralysis. Of the 19 senior executives assessed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), a startling 37% were labelled high-risk, primarily due to unexplained financial discrepancies. An additional 16% were medium-risk, while only 47% were deemed low-risk.
Lifestyle audits, which should be an effective anti-corruption measure, have failed to prompt action in many cases. Despite clear evidence of misconduct, departments have largely failed to implement consequence management, weakening efforts to combat corruption.
Lesufi’s Response and the Political Climate
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has accepted the report’s findings and vowed to act swiftly on the recommendations. Yet, past attempts to address corruption have faced bureaucratic resistance and political shielding of implicated officials.
Whistleblowers Under Threat
The report also exposes the grim reality facing whistleblowers, who are often threatened, sidelined, or endangered for speaking up. Several officials involved in high-profile investigations have required SAPS threat assessments or protective escorts. The GEAC is pushing for a more robust whistleblower support system at the provincial level to protect those exposing corruption.
Corruption in Gauteng Departments
The data is damning:
- 152 public officials were found doing business with the state, violating the Public Administration Management Act.
- 124 of these officials are from the Department of Education alone, marking a sharp increase from 87 in 2022.
- Additional violations were noted in Health (16), Infrastructure Development (9), and Human Settlements (2).
The GEAC is calling for disciplinary action and criminal charges where applicable, stressing that such practices not only breach regulations but also undermine public trust.
Municipal Mismanagement
The Gauteng Municipal Integrity Project (GMIP) uncovered widespread ethics violations within local governments. Issues of political interference, lack of resources, and weak integrity management continue to plague municipalities. In response, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and SALGA are piloting reforms in four municipalities.
Failed Reforms and Leadership Gaps
One of the most consistent issues noted by the GEAC is the failure to act on completed forensic reports. Cases involving damning findings by the Auditor-General, Public Protector, and SIU often remain unresolved due to poor follow-through. To address this, the Council recommends accrediting forensic investigators and enforcing the implementation of audit and forensic report findings.
From Here On Out
The GEAC report makes it clear: Gauteng’s fight against corruption needs urgent and meaningful reform. Establishing a dedicated whistleblower protection system, ensuring lifestyle audit consequences, and creating an accredited forensic investigator register are just a few of the key recommendations.
Premier Lesufi’s commitment to tackling corruption will be put to the test as Gauteng residents demand action, not just promises. The road ahead will require not only bold reforms but a relentless commitment to ethical leadership.
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