The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision by the Public Protector to investigate serious allegations of financial mismanagement against the CEO of the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC), Azola Meyekiso.
This follows a complaint the DA lodged last year with the Public Service Commission, which was later referred to the Public Protector.
Public funds must be protected, and those who misuse them must face consequences.
With a formal investigation underway into the National Housing Finance Corporation CEO, the DA is calling on Human Settlements Minister, Thembisile Simelane, to immediately place the CEO on precautionary leave.
Allowing the CEO to remain in office while these serious allegations are being probed risks undermining the integrity of the investigation and sends the wrong message about accountability.
The allegations are so serious that a whistleblower sought out the DA to give us the evidence and facts, which have been provided to the Public Protector.
The allegations paint a deeply troubling picture. They include:
- Financial mismanagement,
- Irregular increases in board fees,
- Misuse of the NHFC bank card, and
- Irregular procurement of office leases.
This is largely public money, meant to secure roofs over the heads of those in need. It is disgraceful to corrupt such an important part of poverty-alleviation.
The NHFC plays a critical role in helping South Africans access affordable housing, especially those earning between R3 501 and R22 000 per month. The NHFC receives significant public funding through the Department of Human Settlements, and therefore its ethical management is a matter of great public concern. Every rand must be used responsibly.
The DA will continue pushing for accountability and transparency, not just at the NHFC, but across all public entities.