AfriForum demands MEC Lesufi’s resignation after admission of mismanagement

27 January 2021  

AfriForum urges Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education, to resign after his statement that he was shocked by the content of a report that indicates that the Gauteng Department of Education had spent more than R431 million on the sanitation and disinfection of schools and facilities in the province by questionable service providers.

According to Alana Bailey, Head of Cultural Affairs at AfriForum, the MEC’s comments make it clear that he does not know what is going on in his department and that he is therefore unfit to manage it.

“To be asking the Auditor-General to investigate the expenses is too little too late, just like his undertaking that those responsible for the spending would be held accountable. He is the most senior responsible official; if he is truly concerned about the mismanagement and wants to set a strong example in this regard, he would resign himself.”

AfriForum pointed out numerous examples of mismanagement in the department in the past, including that funds allocated for the construction and maintenance of schools had not been spent, as well as the annual chaos with the online school registration process.

“This report is just another example in this regard. The MEC’s attempt to shift the blame and look for other culprits means that there is no prospect of a significant improvement in the management of the department. If quality education in Gauteng is indeed a priority, the only solution is to put someone at the helm who demonstrates the necessary experience, expertise and accountability,” Bailey concludes.

Issued by Chanté Kelder, Media Relations Officer, AfriForum, 27 January 2021