ANC ‘shocked’ by state corruption, promises action
THE ANC says it is “shocked” by the scale of corruption in the state and has conceded that “powerful individuals” have managed to loot government coffers for their own benefit.
The governing party has now vowed to take a tougher stance on corruption as part of its election campaign, with measures including subjecting public servants and senior politicians to lifestyle audits.
The move is contained in a document titled “ANC briefing notes: Key ANC policies and government programmes” prepared for the upcoming elections in 2019.
The party held an elections workshop at the weekend at the St George Hotel in Irene, outside of Pretoria. The workshop was aimed at crafting the party’s election manifesto to drum up support ahead of next year’s general elections where the party is facing its biggest contest since 1994, with good governance and the land issue set to be the main themes.
In the document, the ANC admits that in spite of creating institutions such as the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit, there has been an increase in cases of corruption.
“Powerful individuals managed to loot government resources for their own benefit.
“This goes against every value and principle for which the ANC fought. The last year has revealed many new cases of corruption and like all South Africans we are shocked by the scale of corruption and the allegations of state capture and we are determined to root it out,” said the party.
“We will use Parliament, commissions, investigators and courts to get to the bottom of the problem and deal with the offenders. As the ANC, we will take strong action against any of our leaders found guilty of corruption,” the party says.
“It is unacceptable that parts of the state have been used to serve personal interests,” the party added.
Power utility Eskom, rail company Transnet, arms manufacturer Denel and Passenger Rail Agency Prasa are among state-owned companies which had fallen prey to the looting spree in recent years.
The party says it is pushing for the strengthening of the Special Investigation Unit to boost investigation of corruption in the public service.
“The corruption and state capture inquiries in Parliament in 2017 and 2018 addressed misspending and looting of money of state-owned companies and departments. In the first few months of 2018, the boards and top management were replaced in Eskom, Transnet SAA and Prasa to start the clean-up.
“Many of the offenders will be prosecuted. Ministers responsible for departments involved were also replaced,” the party says.
“There are court cases, disciplinary processes or investigations into the conduct of many of those who were meant to protect us from corruption – among them senior prosecutors, police and investigators, Sars, intelligence agencies and politicians,” the party adds.
As part of its vision for 2030, the ANC says it aims to improve capacity of senior managers in government through assessment and ongoing training, and will also subject senior public servants to lifestyle audits.