Gauteng Premier Lesufi Defends Firing HODs Over Poor Performance and Legal Risks
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says firing poorly performing officials without due process could lead to legal losses
- Lesufi addressed the recent forensic reports, confirming that they will soon be made available to the public
- The Gauteng Premier said the province is appointing two new groups of heads of department
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has defended his decision not to immediately fire underperforming heads of department (HODs), warning that rushed terminations could result in costly legal battles for the province.
Source: Getty Images
What did Lesufi say?
Speaking at a media briefing in Midrand on Sunday, 3 August 2025, Lesufi said the province has, for the first time, removed HODs in bulk due to non-performance, mainly related to poor expenditure management.
He said instead of outright dismissals, two HODs were redeployed, five retained, and acting heads were appointed in key departments, including education, environment, and social development. Final decisions for health and community safety are still pending.
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He said that the removal was important for his department. Lesufi stated that he wished he could reshuffle the cabinet like other politicians do. The premier said that it will cost the department money if they recklessly remove people without following the proper process.
Investigation reports to be made public
The premier said the province would release the forensic reports after claims that it is withholding them. Lesufi stated that the Democratic Alliance had raised concerns about some investigation reports not being made public. He explained that his office initially did not have access to these reports, but following repeated requests, departments were asked to submit them.
Lesufi said the reports to be released cover investigations into allegations of irregular expenditure, conflicts of interest, and death threats across several departments, including education, agriculture, tourism, and economic development.
Source: Getty Images
What are the allegations?
Lesufi explained that the economic development investigations focused on allegations of conflict of interest and possible collusion between supply chain management, the procurement unit, and certain service providers.
He said that in the tourism department, the reports uncovered unethical behaviour by some leaders and staff members. Meanwhile, the gambling board faced allegations of death threats targeting individuals believed to be whistleblowers.
The premier said that the province plans to appoint two new groups of heads of department. He noted that the focus will be on bringing in younger leaders and increasing female representation.
According to him, filling these vacancies will better position the province to address existing challenges. He acknowledged that gaps and limitations have been identified and are being addressed through these actions.
Lesufi issues stern warning to undocumented foreigners
In a related story, Briefly news reported that Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng Provincial Co-Convenor of the African National Congress (ANC) and the premier, was roasted after he warned undocumented foreign nationals to get their papers in order.
Lesufi addressed members of the ANC during the provincial task team's Lekgotla on 3 May 2025. Lesufi said most of the residents of the Marry Me informal settlement, where five were killed in a shooting earlier this year, were illegal immigrants.
Source: Briefly News
