Time for talking about widespread graft is over

Stolen billions could have done so much to help the poor in SA, writes John.

It is absolutely mind-boggling that the theft and looting of the municipal coffers goes on, year after year, unhindered, with no one ever being arrested, convicted and sent to jail.

The same unqualified (in most cases), incompetent and nefarious people are kept in the same positions, year after year, irrespective of their iniquitous deeds.

Local governments are collapsing due to irregular expenditure and other fraudulent activities, yet they’re allowed to carry on regardless, while the abject poor continue to suffer.

So much for Black Lives Matter in South Africa. Thousands of scoundrels are becoming extremely rich at the expense of their fellow countrymen, without a finger being lifted, except for the ones going into the till.

A staggering R65.59 billion has gone into the pockets of these miscreants. Nine municipalities wasting R32 billion. Shocking!

Just think what these massive amounts could have been used for in uplifting the poor – housing, new schools, clinics, etc.

Where are the checks and balances? Deputy Chief Justice Zondo makes a good point in saying that nobody wants to blow the whistle on corruption for fear that the ruling party will be most displeased with them and they fear of losing their jobs. Aiding and abetting a crime is a criminal offence.

The theft cannot go on ad infinitum. The time for talking and year-long suspensions are over. Action speaks louder than words.