Question NW274 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
16 March 2020 - NW274
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Whether she has ordered or instructed for lifestyle audits to be undertaken within her department; if not, (a) by what date will the lifestyle audits be undertaken, (b) who will be audited and (c) what will be the consequences of any adverse findings or outcomes; if so, (i) who has been audited to date, (ii) who must still be audited, (iii) were there any adverse findings or outcomes and (iv) what are the consequences of such findings or outcomes?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
Yes, I have instructed the department to initiate processes to conduct lifestyle audits, commencing with myself as political head, followed by the departmental executives and senior management members and middle management. The audit will be undertaken in four (4) phases from May 2020 with the assistance of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following my request in this regard to the head of the SIU during December last year.
a) Phase 1 of the lifestyle audit is estimated to commence in April 2020.
b) The lifestyle audits strategy will be implemented in four (4) phases, and as follows:
- ➢ Phase 1: Minister and Deputy Minister,
- ➢ Phase 2: Director-General and Deputy Director-Generals,
- ➢ Phase 3: Chief Directors, Supply Chain Management officials and other high-risk areas
- ➢ Phase 4: Directors and below as required.
c) (i),(ii), (iii) and (iv) The lifestyle audits have not yet commenced, and as a result, there are no findings or outcomes. Where there is prima facie evidence of possible criminal conduct, the matter will be referred to SAPS for further investigation. Where there is a reason to pursue any civil action, the matter will be referred to the State Attorney for civil litigation or the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for civil recovery through the courts. Where there is a reason to pursue disciplinary action, the matter will be referred to the department for further disciplinary action