Buffalo City's R5.9m taxi bill: SACP Eastern Cape Speaks
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Eastern Cape Province notes and welcomes the statement and commitment by the African National Congress (ANC) in getting to the bottom of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's (BCMM's) R5.9m taxi bill which was allegedly used in the transportation of people to memorial services of the Former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
We welcome that the ANC in the province is committed to fighting corruption in all spheres of government and that it promises drastic actions shall be taken against those involved in dodgy acts of self-enrichment through stealing from the people. This action should be taken against all those found to be on the wrong side of the law. The ANC must ensure that the name of Former President Nelson Mandela is not wrongly used to squander state resources.
Non-action
Meanwhile, the SACP is concerned by non-action after the tabling of forensic reports in many municipalities. These reports should be used as a guide to proper action to be taken when resolving corruption related issues. It is concerning that the Kabuso Report in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the Ernst & Young Reports are still gathering dust with no action being taken against those implicated in the reports.
The SACP is calling for common and decisive actions when forensic reports which are obtained through using state funds have been tabled. The action cannot be taken in some areas and in other areas the reports are left to gather dust due to reasons only known by those possibly refusing to take decisions. The alliance should ensure there is no political protection of the people implicated by any reports, both politicians and officials.
We are on record having called for decisive leadership and action against corruption, political infightings and other challenges in many municipalities in the province. We think that action is more relevant now in all our municipalities, those identified as hot spots and those not identified alike. It is the responsibility of all of us in the ANC alliance to ensure that those entrusted with the responsibility to lead in our government and deliver services to the people do that and do not use these institutions to enrich themselves.
Combat corruption networks
Corruption networks in municipalities and government departments in the Eastern Cape render the government incapable of responding to the needs and aspirations of the people. It is in the interest of the ANC and that of the people as whole that we all work together as the alliance in uprooting corruption wherever it rears its ugly head.
We commit ourselves as the SACP in the Eastern Cape to working with the people of our province in combating corruption. That will be done for and with the workers and the poor.
Statement issued by Siyabonga Mdodi, SACP Eastern Cape Provincial Spokesperson, January 22 2014
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