Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has noted with serious concern the misleading and factually incorrect claims by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding the Department’s handling of the historical bus subsidy matter.
False claims by the DA relates to the issuing of bus subsidies, as part of the Public Transport Operating Grant, between 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 financial years.
The assertion that the Department has failed to act or is shielding implicated officials is categorically false.
“The Department has, in fact, implemented consequence management processes in line with applicable prescripts and governance frameworks. To suggest otherwise is a distortion of facts and an attempt to mislead the public,” the MEC explained.
For the record, the following actions were taken:
• Disciplinary proceedings were instituted again
against the then Head of Department
• Eight (8) officials were formally charged following the investigation;
• Charges were withdrawn against one (1) official after due process;
• One (1) official resigned during the course of the disciplinary hearings;
• Six (6) officials were found guilty and have since served their respective sanctions; and • One (1) of those implicated has since exited the employ of government and is currently on pension.
To a Legislature question posed by the DA in 2025, the Department provided a response indicating that no formal training was given to officials on old order contracts.
As a remedial action, the Department, in February 2022, advertised new tendered contracts.
In June, 2023, the Department entered into new negotiated contracts replacing the old order contracts.
These came with new formula for calculations and requisite training provided for all responsible officials.
These outcomes demonstrated the Department did not sit idle but acted decisively within the bounds of labour law and administrative justice. Furthermore, insinuations that the Department is withholding information are equally incorrect.
The Department continues to engage relevant institutions within the confines of legal and regulatory frameworks, including compliance with legislation including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
MEC Diale-Tlabela reiterates that this administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and consequence management. Since taking office, the administration has made it known that its zero tolerance stance to corruption and misconduct, financial or otherwise,will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held to account.
“Any suggestion that there is a lack of political will to act against wrongdoing is unfounded and does not reflect the reality of actions already taken.”
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport will not be distracted by politically-motivated narratives and remains focused on delivering services to the people of Gauteng while upholding good governance.
SUPPLIED.
