By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 August 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration said it has noted with concern the latest media reports alleging serious irregularities at the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) – the agency responsible for administering funds for the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), serving 1.7 million employees and pensioners.
According to media reports, a senior financial manager was suspended after refusing to approve payments of over R21 million that he deemed questionable. He now faces disciplinary measures.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said the manager had reportedly previously asked the Minister of Finance to investigate contracts dating back to June. De Villers said last week, the committee noted media reports about an alleged “ghost contract” for the lease of a non-existent building by the GPAA.
“The contract reportedly related to the lease of a building for GPAA’s headquarters for the next 10 years at a cost of just under R1 billion, allegedly without following proper procurement processes.
“The latest developments are very concerning as they reflect a pattern of potential irregularities and financial misconduct at the agency,” he said.
De Villiers further said the public’s trust in government is undermined when individuals tasked with safeguarding pensioners’ funds face reprisals for speaking out. He added that the committee has requested a joint meeting with the Standing Committee on Finance to examine these allegations further and ensure accountability.
“Whistle-blower protection for law-abiding citizens is non-negotiable. If individuals who act in good faith to protect the public purse are silenced or punished, we risk eroding the foundations of ethical, transparent and accountable governance.
“The committee’s commitment is to clean governance and protect pensioners’ funds. We will continue to demand full disclosure from the GPAA, monitor all related investigations and ensure that there are consequences where wrongdoing is identified,” said de Villiers.
The Guardian 