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AfriForum Demands Clarity on Premier Lesufi's New Office Lease Amid Fiscal Concerns

Published November 22, 2024
2 months ago

In a move reflecting growing concerns about government expenditure, AfriForum has intensified its quest for transparency from the Gauteng Provincial Government concerning the new office premises of Premier Panyaza Lesufi. This growing scrutiny follows an announcement on social media regarding the Premier’s relocation to the prestigious 55 Marshall Street—previously the corporate base for Anglo American Platinum.





The address change comes amid significant public interest as the building now belongs to Olitzki Property Holdings (OPH), which subsequently leased it to the government. Anglo American had disclosed the sale of this building in a recent statement, identifying OPH as the new owner without revealing the leasing terms or costs involved.


AfriForum's legal tussle centers on a formal application submitted per the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). The application specifically demands the disclosures of the leasing deal’s financial details and rationale from both the Gauteng Provincial Government and Olitzki Property Holdings.


Ernst van Zyl, AfriForum’s head of Public Relations, emphasized that, given the province's ongoing challenges with water, infrastructure, and crime, there's a heightened need for accountability concerning fiscal allocations. “Lesufi’s tenure as the MEC of Education witnessed significant financial wastage, including an imprudent R431 million spent on the disinfection of empty schools. His track record raises serious concerns about fiscal management under his leadership,” Van Zyl remarked.


The advocacy for greater transparency by AfriForum gains further relevance in the backdrop of Gauteng facing critical infrastructure hurdles that demand judicious use of provincial resources. The public and civil rights groups are increasingly vigilant about government expenditures, especially those related to high-profile individuals and their decisions.


As the case unfolds, the implications for governance transparency in South Africa’s economic hub remain significant. The outcome may set a precedent for how governmental financial details are shared with the citizenry, potentially influencing future policies and administrative transparency across the country.


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