Johannesburg - The Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), Lentheng Mekgwe, has appointed a Reference Group to look into allegations of corruption, malpractice and nepotism contained in an anonymous letter that she received in May.
Briefing media at the Legislature in Johannesburg, on Wednesday, Mekgwe said the Reference Group will start their probe into the allegations on Monday and will conclude their work in six weeks’ time.
“The purpose of the investigation is to ascertain whether any corruption, malpractice(s) and nepotism have taken place as alleged in the anonymous letter, and whether anyone is to be held accountable for such irregularities and unlawful activity and whether any action, disciplinary or otherwise be taken in this regard,” she said.
She said she could not ignore the allegations and resolved that the allegations must be investigated. Mekgwe then referred the letter to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for investigation.
Mekgwe said the Reference Group will be chaired by Public Service Commissioner Mike Seloane. Other members are GPL Integrity Commissioner Dr Ralph Mgijima, Chairperson of Oversight Committee on the Office of the Premier and the Legislature (OCPOL), Godfrey Tsotetsi and GPL Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson John Davis.
“The Reference Group will be supported by Ernst and Young… Senior Management has committed itself to ensure that the investigations take place in an environment free of any information and/or harassment.
“I now call upon any staff member of GPL and political parties represented at GPL who may have information to assist with the investigation, to avail themselves and to provide information that facilitates speedy conclusion of the investigation,” said Mekgwe.
She envisaged that the investigation will provide GPL an opportunity to establish whether the allegations are founded or unfounded, and institute the necessary corrective measures if allegations are proven in the affirmative. - SAnews.gov.za
