Lesufi gobsmacked over R431 COVID-19 spending

Lesufi gobsmacked over R431 COVID-19 spending

The Gauteng Education Department has expressed shock over a report of R431 million having been spent on COVID-19 services.

In a media statement, MEC Panyaza Lesufi says he is taken aback by the report, compiled by the Head of Department (HOD) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), that the department spent millions on decontamination, disinfection, deep cleaning and sanitation of schools.

Lesufi has reaffirmed his commitment to leave no stone unturned on this matter and hold those who procured these services to account.

The department says it is engaging law enforcement agencies and Auditor General to investigate.

South Africa’s official opposition, the Democratic Alliance, has urged Gauteng Premier David Makhura to launch an investigation into the matter.

The news comes amid a Special Investigating Unit’s investigation into the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment in the province, which led to the sacking of the province’s health MEC, Dr Bandile Masuku. Karabo Tebele is a producer and newsreader for Voice of Wits.