Processes to conduct lifestyle audits and ministerial handbook review launched

Premier Alan Winde has kick started the process to institute lifestyle audits for all of the members of his cabinet, as well as to review sections of the Western Cape Government ministerial handbook.

Following his first cabinet caucus today, Premier Winde announced that a tender will soon be issued to solicit bids from independent service providers to conduct the lifestyle audits.

Lifestyle audits test whether the lifestyle of an employee is in line with that person’s known income stream.

“South Africans deserve public representatives who are accountable and transparent, and these audits are a step towards ensuring that the people entrusted with roles in my cabinet are of the highest integrity.”

The audits, which will be conducted at the start of a Minister’s term and at the end, will include, amongst others:

- Credit searches on the applicant and his/her immediate family members

- Criminal record searches

- Verifying fixed and moveable assets

- Conducting an asset search in the case of undeclared assets

- Assess donations, gifts and potential linkages to executive responsibilities.

“These audits are set to commence within the next month,” Premier Winde said.

Also discussed during the cabinet caucus was a review of the ministerial handbook, which guides the benefits and privileges that members of the provincial cabinet are entitled to.

“South Africa’s economy is in trouble, and it is important that government spend is centred on citizens and service delivery. Our first review of the handbook, which was finalised in 2011, helped us save R100 million. In this second review, we are looking for ways in which we can further tighten our belts,” Premier Winde said.

“We are aware that the national government is also in the process of reviewing their handbook and while our process is separate, I hope that both reviews will reflect a commitment to working within the tight fiscal space we find ourselves in, in order to ramp up service delivery. I will be sending President Ramaphosa a copy of our current handbook and any new changes we eventually make, as we are way ahead in this area,” Premier Winde said.