Johannesburg - Gauteng premier David Makhura has ordered a forensic investigation into allegations of misconduct, maladministration and corruption in the provincial department of sport, arts, culture and recreation, his office said on Wednesday.
Makhura had received complaints from officials within the department, detailing allegations of misconduct and maladministration during MEC Molebatsi Bopape’s tenure in office. Bopape is now MEC of social development.
Similar allegations were also made by trade union NEHAWU (National Education, Health and Allied Worker’s Union) in a memorandum sent to the premier in August 2015, his office said.
“Premier Makhura views the allegations made against the department very seriously and has accordingly instructed the MEC for Finance and e-Government, Barbara Creecy, to institute a forensic investigation to probe the allegations.”
“The Gauteng provincial Treasury has now appointed an independent forensic team to investigate the allegations of misconduct at the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation. The forensic team is mandated to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement, breach of regulations and human resources procedures as well as fraud and corruption.”
Since the allegations involved the role and conduct of Bopape, Makhura has also referred the matter to the Integrity Commissioner for consideration.
A preliminary report into the investigation was expected in December.
African News Agency
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