Public has right to know how taxes are spent

THE decision by Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, to exempt Eskom from disclosing irregular, wasteful and fruitless expenditure is a concerning move that sets a bad precedent.

State-owned enterprises in South Africa are already under scrutiny for their poor management and wasteful expenditure.

The exemption granted to Eskom will have serious implications on investor confidence and credit ratings, which will ultimately have a negative impact on South Africa’s economy.

The fact that Eskom is at the centre of a national crisis that threatens to remove the ruling ANC from power in government, makes this decision all the more critical.

It is the responsibility of the government to be transparent with the public about the state of the entity, including any issues related to wasteful, irregular and fruitless expenditure.

The decision to exempt Eskom from disclosing such expenditure raises suspicions and undermines trust in the government’s ability to manage the country’s finances.

While it may be argued that the motive behind the decision by the minister is to protect Eskom from undesirable scrutiny, it is important to note that the exception is a smokescreen that covers up the shenanigans taking place at the entity.

The public has a right to know how their tax money is being spent, and any attempts to hide irregularities in expenditures only serve to undermine the country’s democracy.

Exemptions granted to Eskom and other state-owned enterprises should be cautiously evaluated, and their consequences on the country’s economy and democracy should be taken into account.

In the long run, transparency and accountability are necessary for building trust and ensuring that the country’s finances are managed responsibly.

VISVIN REDDY

Leader African Democratic Change