Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it has requested the Public Protector to probe allegations that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi violated the Executive Members’ Ethics Code when he allegedly interferred in the internal affairs of the Legislature.
On Monday, (4 November 2024), the DA said it had written to the “Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, to investigate the Premier’s blatant contravention of the Code of Ethics of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act 1998”.
The DA said its complaint was in accordance with Sections 3 and 4 of the Act.
Pointing to a copy of an affidavit from a court application by Peter Skosana, the former Secretary of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), the DA said: “According to the affidavit, Premier Lesufi was part of a meeting, convened on 11 October 2023 by the Chief Whip, Lesego Makhubela, which included the Speaker and other senior members of the Legislature”.
The DA added: “Several issues were discussed during the meeting including the 13th cheque matter before the Labour Court and the breakdown of the relationship between GPL Management and NEHAWU, which has led to a toxic work environment”.
The DA said it finds it highly irregular and unethical that Premier Lesufi was part of these Legislature meetings.
The DA said the meetings appear to have involved resolving an internal ANC problem with NEHAWU threatening to withhold their support in the election if they did not get their 13th cheque and stop the disciplinary proceedings against 34 staff members implicated in fraudulent Subsistence and Travel (S&T) claims.
“This case illustrates Premier Lesufi’s disregard and lack of grasp of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government,” the DA said.
“As an Executive Member, the Premier had no authority to participate in a meeting that addressed the internal affairs of the Legislature.”
The DA added: “Surely, he would have known that such a role was reserved for the Speaker of the Legislature at the time, Ntombi Mekgwe.
“But never one to miss an opportunity to abuse his powers, Lesufi was present and likely swayed the discussions.
“For far too long, we have flagged the Premier’s delinquent attitude and his attempts to shield politicians and those of interest to him from accountability.”
“When he is not violating the Executive Members’ Ethics Code, the Premier is doing all he can to conceal his role in corruption by hiding forensic investigation reports undertaken by the Gauteng Provincial Government since 2016.”
The DA said the premier’s alleged misuse of power was unjust.
“Corruption, no matter how disguised, continues to impede the provincial government in providing quality services to our residents,” the DA said.
“It is unacceptable that we had to refer this matter to the Public Protector and submit a PAIA application to obtain the forensic reports that should have been made public.”
A DA said the government will not allow any disregard for the codes that guide its Members of the Executive.
“We will also not permit undue interference in the internal matters of the Legislature, as we adhere to the Code of Ethics, specifically sections 2.1 (c) and (d) of the General Standards,” the DA said.
The sections say: (c) act in good faith and the best interest of good governance; and (d) act in all respects in a manner that is consistent with the integrity of their office or the government.
The DA said the Public Protector was required to present a report on the matter to President Cyril Ramaphosa within 30 days.
