This development follows recent audit findings and performance reviews which revealed that a number of departments have failed to meet their targets, undermining service delivery efforts in the country’s economic heartland.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Lesufi said urgent action was necessary to respond to what he termed “collapsing service delivery” in the province.

“I indicated on July 17 that there were departments that seriously underspent. At that time, the figure stood at R1.8 billion ($100 million). It has since been reduced to R1.3 billion ($72 million) after authorisation of some carry-over transactions,” he explained.

“To me, this reflects serious underperformance by some heads of departments. In addition, there are departments that have missed their performance targets. Given the challenges we are facing in delivering services, we simply cannot afford this level of underachievement.”

Lesufi emphasised that the reshuffle forms part of a broader effort to strengthen governance and ensure improved accountability. He did not name the officials affected but confirmed that changes had already been implemented to realign the provincial administration.

–ChannelAfrica–