State probes will join the dots

MOVES to investigate corruption running into billions of rand at parastatals Eskom and Transnet would be a fillip to raising confidence in the government.

President Cyril Ramaphosa proclaimed last Friday that the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been tasked with investigating corruption and maladministration at the troubled power utility.

Eskom will also review 160 contracts worth more than R1 billion as well as more than 5 000 contracts worth less than R1bn.

Internal lifestyle audits on Eskom executives and senior managers will also be conducted.

The SIU has also been directed to investigate allegations of graft at Transnet.

Both these parastatals have been linked to state capture in recent months.

The probes have been welcomed by South Africans as a number of employees from Eskom and Transnet are expected to be suspended or arrested.

Public confidence has been at an all-time low and citizens appear to have little or no faith in the government.

Corruption claims at state-owned enterprises and within the ANC have also been damaging to the ruling party’s integrity.

Ramaphosa must be commended for dealing with these matters swiftly.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan is correct when he says the investigation will be another step in finding out the truth while uncovering all the wrongdoing.

Ramaphosa wants the SIU to look at “unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property and improper conduct by employees” of the companies.

More than 24 years into democracy, the divide between the rich and poor is growing. Thousands remain homeless, poor and illiterate. Corruption has continued to spiral.

As we move towards the 2019 national elections, it is clear that the ANC is concerned about its support base.

For the electorate, the issue of morality – knowing what is right or wrong – will be a key factor when they cast their ballots.

Our moral compasses guide us each and every day in making decisions. It should be the same for the very leaders we look up to.

In the words of Mark Twain: “Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other.”