COSATU statement on recent allegations of serious corruption in the state
8 January 2024
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), like the rest of society, is deeply concerned by the continuous allegations of serious corruption occurring in various parts of the state, including departments, entities, municipalities and state-owned enterprises. The instances and allegations are simply too many to list but they paint a picture of not only of a state but a society struggling to rid itself of endemic levels of corruption and general criminality.
This has a real and painful impact upon the working class and economy who depend upon a well-resourced and functioning state. Politicians and tenderpreneurs who rob the state deny it the funds it needs to provide social grants, student funding and many other forms of relief to the most impoverished parts of society. A society that is a global advert for state capture and corruption will struggle to attract domestic and foreign investment necessary to grow the economy and reduce unemployment and poverty.
COSATU welcomes efforts made by government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to uproot this cancer, but we need to move beyond platitudes and treat this pandemic as the threat to the nation that it is. Treating criminals with kid gloves cannot continue. The various law enforcement arms of the state need to act and to be seen to be acting. It is beyond scandalous that millions were spent outing various ring leaders of the state capture project by the Zondo Commission, yet these very same delinquents continue to be allowed to enjoy their stolen monies and show society a middle finger.
It is critical the 2024/25 Budget provide the resources for our law enforcement organs that this war against corruption and crime demands. Allowing the South African Police Service headcount to decline by 15% over a decade, the National Prosecuting Authority to be hamstrung by critical prosecutorial vacancies or for courts to take two years and longer to process cases cannot be acceptable if we are serious about winning this war.
It is time government took off the gloves and showed the necessary fortitude, boldness and vision. The Federation will continue to raise the alarm bells with government in the run up to the State of the Nation Address and the Budget Speech in February.
Issued by Matthew Parks, Acting National Spokesperson & Parliamentary Coordinator, 8 January 2024
