Huge amounts of money have been wasted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. (Illustration: Lisa Nelson/GroundUp)
The Gauteng Department of Social Development has been marred by corruption, with thirteen officials suspended between September 2023 and January 2024. Despite returning to work in July, they are still at risk of facing disciplinary actions. The chaos unfolded during the leadership of MEC Mbali Hlophe and head of department Matilda Gasela, who both left their positions following corruption allegations.
The officials were originally suspended due to a 2016 forensic report, which later shifted to a more recent report from forensic audit firm FSG. This period saw a funding crisis for non-profit organizations, leaving vulnerable individuals without critical services. Under Hlophe’s leadership, controversies and irregularities were rampant, leading to the closure of children’s centers and essential services being disrupted.
The new MEC, Faith Mazibuko, is now tasked with rectifying the department’s missteps and ensuring accountability moving forward.