Arrests and accountability are what’s needed

HOW do we, as citizens, build trust again? The question came to mind when I saw the Zondo Commission deliver its latest report on what had occurred at our state-owned entities.

The report details how government controls were overridden to benefit the Guptas. Where were the ethical foundations? How could the individuals allow themselves to be caught in such a trap. Why did they neither question nor interrogate some of the decisions by the board committees?

It was sickening to hear former executive Matshelo Koko say recently that we needed to thank the Guptas for the work done because, at the time, there was no load shedding.

I disagree. Some decisions were taken at board level which ensured that Eskom investment money was siphoned from the entity. The result was that Eskom did not have adequate cash reserves for infrastructure rebuild. The appointment of the board members who had no experience also placed the country at risk.

There was a report prepared because of Covid-19 corruption and we were promised that action would be taken and money recovered from those implicated, Nothing has happened.

The National Prosecuting Authority needs to act with more urgency. There is a lot of evidence that has been collected by the Zondo Commission. It is high time we see arrests. If no action is taken, we will be destroying what is left of this country. Let us, as a country, unite and ensure those responsible are held to account.

NYANISO QWESHA | Joburg