Education department’s director-general willing to undergo lifestyle audit

Mathanzima Hubert Mweli, the director-general of South Africa's Department of Basic Education, has clarified his stance on a lifestyle audit. Mweli denied allegations that he was refusing to undergo such an audit, emphasizing that his concerns lie in the process's execution. In a statement released on September 21, Mweli affirmed his support for lifestyle audits within the public service and his willingness to participate.

He revealed that he had proposed a voluntary lifestyle audit for himself, the basic education minister, and the deputy minister to underscore their dedication to ethical and accountable leadership. Mweli stated that he had initiated discussions with the minister and deputy minister, leading to their agreement to undergo the audit.

Additionally, he encouraged other senior managers, including deputy directors-general, to partake in the process. According to Mweli, he had already begun arranging the necessary arrangements for the audits when they were publicly portrayed as an instruction from the Basic Education Minister to the department's senior management.

Concerning the privacy of confidential information, Mweli highlighted that his apprehensions were not about the necessity of lifestyle audits or his participation in them. Instead, he wanted the process concerning him to adhere to strict confidentiality standards outlined in the public-service framework. Mweli reiterated his eagerness to undergo the audit and clarified that questioning the process should not be misconstrued as an evasion of accountability or public funds management.

He dismissed allegations surrounding his integrity or responsibility in handling public resources, stressing his long-standing commitment to serving the South African public and government and recognizing the importance of accountability in public office. Mweli declined to debate the specifics of the audit due to its confidential nature, focusing instead on his responsibilities as director-general, the department's work, and the welfare of South African learners and students.