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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands accountability from Gauteng Department of Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara, following the revelation that 74 transactions from the 2025/26 financial year will be outsourced for forensic investigation.

Motara does not provide clear timelines for when these investigations will be completed or when those responsible for any wrongdoing could face consequences. Every rand lost through irregular procurement is money that could have been used to improve living conditions and provide vulnerable families with a home.

In her written response to DA questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), MEC Motara outlines a range of procurement irregularities, including unfair tender evaluations, bidders that were not tax compliant at the time of award, and unclear specifications or pre-qualification failures in the appointment of legal panels.

The 74 transactions involve companies like Makgothamishe Building Construction, which was paid over R11 million for 657 incomplete houses despite being non-compliant; Selby Construction, unfairly awarded over R13 million for chemical toilets; and Shitolo Waste Management Services, which received over R3 million for vacuum tankers with an unfair bid evaluation.

The department’s own response raises further questions. Although asked to provide the commencement dates, investigating entities, status, and anticipated completion dates for each investigation, the response does not provide a clear, transaction-by-transaction schedule nor cite any established financial losses or measures to prevent further irregularities.

Instead, the MEC states that the identification of implicated officials and service providers will depend on the findings and recommendations of forensic investigations. She also indicates that suspensions and disciplinary proceedings are “not yet applicable at this stage”.

While due process matters, it should not lead to endless investigations and delay accountability. Gauteng residents deserve answers now, not empty assurances from a Premier Panyaza Lesufi-led government that has proven ineffective in addressing financial misconduct that robs residents of essential services.

The DA will pursue these questions through our oversight responsibilities in the Legislature and will insist that the department account for the progress and outcomes of these investigations.

A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would enforce transparent procurement, set firm investigation deadlines, recover public funds lost to wrongdoing, and ensure accountability through disciplinary action and criminal referrals where warranted.

Issued by DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Human Settlements Mervyn Cirota