ZUMA NOT CREDIBLE IN FIGHTING CORRUPTION

Excerpt from speech by Jack Bloom at DA Freedom Month celebration in Jeppe, Johannesburg, April 28 2013

President Jacob Zuma is not a credible figure in fighting corruption in South Africa despite saying yesterday that "We declared war against corruption and we are making progress".

I agree with him that corruption should not be allowed to steal the fruits of freedom.

But decisions as to who or what is investigated are very selective, and it usually happens against people who have fallen out of favour, like Julius Malema.

And investigations are achingly slow because there is inadequate capacity.

Corruption is rife in the Gauteng Provincial Government, but implicated figures are usually let off with a golden handshake.

After nearly three years, the Special Investigating Unit has still not concluded its investigation into Gauteng Health Department contracts worth about R1 billion.

Another outstanding investigation is into the R71 million security contract that the Gauteng Public Transport and Roads Department awarded without tender to a company linked to former Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda. This contract was terminated in March 2010 after it was found that procurement procedures were not followed and other companies could do the job at a much lower price.

I laid a criminal charge against former Gauteng Transport Head Benedicta Monama after she signed an illegal R3 billion contract for Driver Licence Testing Centres. I did this because Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane allowed Monama to serve out her contract and did not take any action against her.

Another former Gauteng Transport Head, Mr Sibusiso Buthelezi, left with a R1 million settlement after an investigation that pointed to massive irregularities in this department. Despite this, he was appointed recently as Chairman of the Robben Island Museum Council.

Our freedom is precious, but corruption is undermining it as it makes us a patronage society and not an opportunity society. It also steal resources that are needed to uplift the poor.

High-level skills and resources are needed to fight corruption, as well as political commitment to investigate without fear or favour.

Issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, April 28 2013

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