UASA Media Release: 09 May 2025
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
The recently published Gauteng Ethics Report has revealed alarming levels of corruption and ethical failures within the government, highlighting a painful reality for South Africans.
The report indicates that municipal ethics officers do not prioritise integrity management. Concerningly, 37% of high-ranking officials were classified as “high risk” after failing lifestyle audits.
Most complaints received by Gauteng Departments revolve around appointment irregularities, maladministration, corruption, procurement irregularities, and unethical behaviour. Notably, 124 officials from the Gauteng Department of Education were found to be conducting business with the state, violating the Public Administration and Management Act of 2014.
While we acknowledge the findings of the Gauteng Ethics Advisory Council (GEAC), we must emphasise that these results should not become just another set of unaddressed outcomes. We want to hear the government’s plans and strategies for addressing the rampant unethical activities within its ranks.
Simply spending money on task teams and compiling reports is not a viable solution. We demand to see consequences for those who engage in wrongdoing.
What is especially concerning is that these findings pertain only to the Gauteng Province. What about the other provinces across the country?
If we do not confront and correct government officials’ unlawful behaviours, we risk perpetuating corruption and fraud indefinitely. Ethical behaviour and transparency seem distant goals unless we take decisive action.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, with this report in hand, what is the path forward? How do we address these challenges to ensure our province moves in the right direction? Our fellow citizens have been victims of corruption and greed for far too long.
We cannot continue to rely on feel-good reports without tangible solutions. UASA demands your commitment to take the necessary steps to ensure that corruption becomes a relic of the past in our government.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.