Over 100 public servants flagged for financial misconduct, most cases only ended with little more than a warning

The questions referenced 141 public officials reportedly identified through lifestyle audits. However, the DPSA moved quickly to correct that figure. The department confirmed that it was, in fact, 117 officials, and not 141, who were flagged for potential financial disclosure anomalies.

“These cases are currently at different stages of investigation within their respective departments,” said Buthelezi. He acknowledged that, due to capacity challenges, it had not been maintaining case-level records centrally. “In the past, the DPSA did not centrally maintain case-level information on the specific national or provincial departments in which the officials are employed, their seniority levels or salary bands, or the estimated total monetary value of any undeclared income, assets, or financial discrepancies,” Buthelezi’s department stated.

It added, however, that “this information will be maintained from the new financial year.” Of the 117 flagged officials, the DPSA provided a breakdown showing outcomes that critics may find underwhelming. The bulk of concluded cases – 53 in total – were wrapped up with sanctions no more serious than verbal or written warnings. Seven cases were finalised with officials found not guilty, while 22 cases remain under active departmental investigation. Beyond that, 24 cases have been earmarked for investigation by external service providers but remain pending, and 11 cases were closed after officials either resigned or moved to other departments.