Over 150 NHBRC employees face lifestyle audits

THE National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) has referred more than 150 employees for lifestyle audits. 

This decision comes on the heels of increased scrutiny regarding the council’s operations, particularly following the catastrophic building collapse in George earlier this year.

During a briefing to the Human Settlements Portfolio Committee, Department Director-General Alec Moemi disclosed that the lifestyle audits were initiated in response to a directive from former minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, as part of broader measures targeting entities under the department’s purview. “Initially, we focused on three of the six entities, and the others have since been asked to begin their audits,” Moemi said.

“Unlike in the public sector, where executives must declare their income and assets annually, employees in entities like the NHBRC are required to complete these forms only once,” he said.

In a first round of checks concerning 82 executives and management personnel, only two employees were flagged for further investigation, while the remaining 80 were cleared. The next phase involved 216 inspectors, supply chain, and finance personnel, from which 152 were referred for further scrutiny.

These 152 employees will undergo interviews where they must clarify discrepancies regarding flagged unexplained matters disclosed during the audit.

Concerns regarding the lifestyle audit process have also arisen from trade unions, who complained about not being consulted and raised questions regarding data privacy and the adherence to protocols set by the Information Regulator.

Deputy Minister Thandi Mahambehlala acknowledged this oversight. “Our goal is to establish a seamless process in such a litigious environment,” Mahambehlala said.

While details regarding the cost of the lifestyle audit and the identities of the involved service providers remain undisclosed, Moemi clarified that accountability measures are in place. “If selection was mishandled, there will be consequences,” he said.

Cape Times