The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has begun conducting lifestyle audits of senior officials within the Department of Basic Education, focusing on staff in procurement and human resources, which are regarded as high-risk areas for corruption.
The audits aim to detect unexplained wealth and strengthen oversight within the department responsible for South Africa’s schooling system.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says the intervention forms part of efforts to strengthen accountability and prevent the misuse of public funds.
“This marks an important milestone in strengthening accountability, rooting out corruption, and protecting the integrity of the institution responsible for educating South Africa’s future,” Gwarube said.
The SIU will assess whether officials’ declared income aligns with their standard of living as part of efforts to identify potential corruption risks and financial irregularities. Lifestyle audits are widely used in the public sector as a tool to detect possible illicit enrichment.
Gwarube says the initiative follows a commitment to clamp down on corruption and ensure that education funds are spent for their intended purpose.
She added that improving basic education also depends on restoring an ethical culture within the department and ensuring that public resources are directed towards learners rather than corruption networks.
The SIU says the audits form part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and accountability across the public sector.
Photo: X/ @Siviwe_G
