GAMinister of Public Service & Administration Mzamo Buthelezi said 8 982 senior officials had undergone lifestyle reviews by the end of September 2025, with 117 cases referred for internal departmental investigation and 24 flagged by the Presidency for suspected undeclared income or hidden assets.

According to Business Day, his reply followed a written parliamentary question from FF Plus MP Heloïse Denner, who sought clarity on the scope of completed audits, the number of cases indicating possible illicit enrichment, and whether any had been escalated to external law enforcement agencies.

Buthelezi said lifestyle audits are conducted in phases, beginning with departmental reviews and, where necessary, progressing to internal investigations.

Departments reported 117 officials were under investigation, while the Presidency identified 24 cases involving suspicions of hidden assets or undeclared income.

He confirmed none of the matters had been referred to the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit or other law enforcement agencies, with all cases handled internally.

Calls for lifestyle audits have been consistent in Parliament and across government. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi recently called for mandatory lifestyle audits for all prosecutors, arguing officials living beyond their declared means posed a threat to the integrity of the justice system.

The Black Lawyers Association supported the call, citing findings from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and emphasising the need to identify corrupt elements within the NPA.

Integrity advocates have further argued political leaders, including the President, should lead by example by subjecting themselves to lifestyle audits to restore public trust.

Full Business Day report