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The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, urgently publishes Education MEC Matome Chiloane's lifestyle audit following allegations of a fraud case totalling R27 million linked to senior ANC member Pule Mabe.

MEC Chiloane is allegedly accused of accepting R185 000 from a fraudulent vehicle tender during his tenure as the coordinator for the infrastructure and transformation cluster in the City of Ekurhuleni.

These are serious allegations that a responsible Premier would not ignore; instead, he would act swiftly to provide answers to the residents of Gauteng. However, in his typical carefree manner, Premier Lesufi has remained silent, hoping this issue like many others will just disappear.

The DA has repeatedly urged the Premier to release the lifestyle audits publicly. His failure to act raises concerns about either grave negligence or a deliberate attempt to conceal corruption and protect the corrupt in his administration. Additionally, the Premier should explain why his MECs, many of whom have a history of incompetence and scandalous behaviour, have not been thoroughly vetted.

The DA demands that the Premier urgently publish the audit lifestyle of MEC Chiloane and move to suspend him pending the NPA investigation into the fraud allegations. It is unacceptable that Premier Lesufi is quick to investigate non-existent racism claims but slow to publicise lifestyle audits which are gathering dust in his office.

We will also write to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Moipone Mhlongo, asking MEC Chiloane to appear before the committee and explain his involvement in these allegations.

A DA government would promptly release lifestyle audits, investigate allegations of corruption, and implement recommendations. Gauteng residents deserve a government that is consistent, transparent, has integrity, and is accountable.

Issued by Sergio Isa Dos Santos MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education