By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) has dismissed the allegations of corruption and fraud levelled against the institution.
These allegations surfaced after a forensic investigation, initiated by the former legislature secretary Peter Skosana.
The findings have shown that senior African National Congress (ANC) officials prioritized their party’s electoral ambitions over public accountability and good governance.
Fullview understands Skosana was later pushed out of his post after being placed on precautionary suspension for insubordination.
At the center of the controversy are shocking findings that Deputy Speaker Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela received R72,415 in stipends for trips to the UK, Canada, and Cameroon, while ANC Chief Whip Lesego Makhubela reportedly pocketed R43,500 for a study tour to the US – despite neither official attending these trips.
Also the investigation revealed that 32 employees submitted fraudulent travel claims during Covid 19 lockdown and that two MPLs should pay back travel stipends they were paid for overseas travel that they did not undertake.
In a statement released on Monday, acting legislature speaker Linda Mwale said any notion of impropriety was misplaced and that the “esteemed institution” was unwavering in its commitment to “good governance and ethical leadership”.
Mwale said: “The Gauteng legislature is a well-respected and credible institution which plays a critical role in the governance of this province. As a legislative body responsible for overseeing government departments in Gauteng, the [legislature] remains fully committed to its core mandate of ensuring that public funds are used effectively, efficiently and transparently.”
The Legislature further refutes the reports that Skosana was dismissed after being placed on precautionary suspension for insubordination by Ntombi Mekgwe, former speaker of the legislature.
Mekgwe has denied allegations of colluding with her ANC colleagues to block disciplinary actions against employees accused of defrauding the provincial legislature.
Fullview understands Skosana accepted a R6-million settlement to walk away from the remaining 20 months of his employment. He was prohibited from disclosing the circumstances of his departure from the legislature.
Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced plans to submit an urgent ethics complaint against the individuals involved in the corrupt interference.
In a statement, the DA Gauteng Leader, Solly Msimanga said, “It is committed to holding those in power accountable and ensuring that public institutions are not used to protect political interests at the expense of accountability.
“The people of Gauteng deserve better from their leaders, and the DA vows to continue fighting for justice and integrity within the GPL, said Msimanga.