Gauteng government defends appointment of official under investigation

The Gauteng Provincial Government has defended the appointment of suspended former Gauteng Department of Health head Arnold Malotana as the new Head of Public Safety for the City of Johannesburg, saying allegations of corruption cannot permanently bar an individual from public service.

The provincial government said disciplinary action and employment decisions must be guided by due process, applicable legislation and constitutional principles, including the presumption of innocence.

It said Malotana remains under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), while additional information he submitted is being reviewed. According to the provincial government, Malotana has fully cooperated with the investigation.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi is awaiting the SIU’s final forensic report before making further decisions, it said.

The government also rejected claims that a lifestyle audit constituted proof of wrongdoing, stressing that allegations alone could not be used as grounds to deny someone employment.

“Claims that the Gauteng Provincial Government is shielding corrupt officials are without foundation,” the government said.

Lesufi said government would continue following lawful processes and that officials found guilty through disciplinary proceedings or a court of law would face the full consequences.

“Our commitment is to achieve clean governance through lawful and accountable processes, not through actions that compromise the very principles of justice we are sworn to uphold,” he said.