RELEASE OF GAUTENG CORRUPTION REPORT AIMED AT MASHATILE

I welcome the release today by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane of the Resolve Group report into allegations of corruption in the former Gauteng Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works.

This report should have been made public last year when it was completed, so I question why it has been released now only days before the ANC's Gauteng Provincial Conference where Mokonyane is fighting Paul Mashatile for the position of provincial chairperson.

Two weeks ago Mokonyane refused to give me a copy of the report after I requested it under the Promotion of Access to Information Act. What has changed now?

It seems to me that the release of the report is aimed at Mashatile as it implicates members of the so-called "Alex Mafia" consisting of his friends who allegedly were favoured in the award of tenders.

The fight against corruption must be across the board, rather than a weapon against political opponents.

Mokonyane should not be selective in fighting corruption but must root it out even if it hits her own associates and allies.

We need to see criminal prosecutions and efforts to recover the money that has been lost, rather than payouts for officials who leave after lengthy disciplinary processes.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom, MPL, Democratic Alliance Gauteng Corruption Spokesman, May 3 2010

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