SACP Gauteng Province calls for swift and decisive action to those implicated in Scopa report

7 September 2011

SACP Gauteng Province notes the report by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) presented to the Sitting of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on Tuesday 6th September. According to the report, there are officials from various Gauteng Provincial Government departments who have allegedly contravened section 30 of the Public Service Act and Code of Conduct for the public service by trading/doing business with the government without disclosing their business interests and getting the necessary approval. The SCOPA Report is based on the report by the Auditor General.

Whist we fully support and welcome measures proposed by Scopa in this particular case, we strongly believe that the real test and most decisive step in the fight against corruption, is for the provincial government to finalise and conclude all investigations relating to corruption in the province. We will be closely monitoring the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the Legislature yesterday. We urge all government departments and agencies not to adopt a re-active approach to good governance but should put in place systems to pro-actively curb corruption. We do not think it is correct for public servants to have business interests. In many instances, these business interests divert the focus of public servants to honestly serve the people.

In this regard, we call on authorities to make public and openly declare publicly the outcomes of all outstanding investigations conducted in the province, including those at the local government sphere.

We believe that corruption poses a serious threat in the struggle against poverty, unemployment and inequality. We commit ourselves to continue fighting against all forms of corruption in the public and private sector without fear or favour. This is the only way to defend, advance and consolidate our democracy and the interests of the working class and poor against the selfish and greedy interests of tenderepreneurs.

We further call on the provincial government to move swiftly on implementing the proposals of Scopa and instituting action against those involved in acts of corruption.

Issued on behalf of the SACP Gauteng PEC

Contact:
Acting Provincial Secretary: Jacob Mamabolo (082 884 1868)
Provincial Spokesperson: Pat Ntsobi (072 671 4258)