Dying diggers of Namaqualand need saving
| by Harold McGluwa, MPL – DA Northern Cape Provincial Chairperson & Chief Whip of the Provincial Caucus |
| Error! Filename not specified. |
| Date: 11 August 2020 |
| Release: Immediate |
| The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is challenging the Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, to stand up against corruption by publicizing lists of all companies that were awarded tenders and contracts, by all provincial government departments, during the Covid-19 pandemic.This comes at a time when the ANC has shamefully been exposed as tacitly allowing, and even enabling corruption, after recent allegations revealed that some National Executive Committee (NEC) members and their close relatives, have benefited from tenders meant to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.The DA in the Northern Cape has already reported a questionable school cleaning contract in Pixley Ka Seme to the Office of the Premier. This, however, is not an isolated case. There are many rumours doing the rounds and the premier cannot afford to sit back and wait for evidence to present itself to him.As the leader of this province, the premier’s response must be proactive in preventing corruption, and not reactive, if he is really serious about tackling fraud and corruption within his own party and within this provincial government.Premier Saul must therefore heed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s request to provide information on the names of companies, including the details of tenders and contracts that have been awarded in provincial departments, during the period of the national state of disaster.At the very same time, he should open this list up to public scrutiny. This will go a long way in helping to sniff out self-enriching deals from general business, and in turn help to keep this government accountable.Simply identifying corruption is not enough. Corruption needs to be properly investigated and harshly acted against. For as long as there is no consequence management, corruption will continue to flourish. The premier must therefore be steadfast in his approach and he must ensure that those implicated are forced to step aside from their responsibilities.It is high time that those who remain intent on looting state institutions and robbing South Africans in order to line their own pockets, not least of all during a time of severe crisis, must be named and shamed, regardless of whether they are in the private or public sector. Rather dip your head in shame now, before the chickens come home to roost! |
| Media Enquiries |
| Harold McGluwa, MPLDA Northern Cape Provincial Chairperson & Chief Whip of the Provincial Caucus082 440 1779 Shelley De WittResearcher0828471387 |
Related posts