People stand united against misconduct

South Africa is, even at the best of times, divided on many levels. However, sometimes there is a general agreement and unity – most especially when it comes to celebrating sporting achievements.

At this moment, the matter of the shocking petrol price increases has everyone singing from the same hymn sheet.

Every vehicle owner agrees that government has to take action to prevent the fuel cost from bringing down the entire economy, apart from the effect on the individual’s already compromised purse strings.

We’re also pretty well unanimous when it comes to issues like State capture, wasteful and irregular expenditure and the general malaise of government money intended for the poor ending up in private bank accounts.

At last, action appears to be happening, with the arrest this week of the infamous Gupta brothers following on the good work done by the Zondo Commission in exposing those who have plundered the State.

On the local front, Mhlathuze Water on Tuesday issued a statement in which notice was given of the suspension of senior officials who are facing serious allegations – as yet to be proven – of financial impropriety.

While one must always act on the presumption of innocence, it is an indication of the water utility being keen to ensure good governance, accountability and the best possible service delivery.

This gives some assurance to the general public; one has seen boards at numerous State owned entities fail to take their oversight roles seriously in keeping their finger on the pulse of the body’s operations.

In this case, the investigations began after a whistle-blower came forward and it is to the credit of the utility’s board that they acted on the allegations and set the process in motion either to prove or disprove the assertions; one also understands that disgruntled employees often make false allegations.

Water is very much in the headlines at the moment, following the widespread destruction of water-related infrastructure in the recent provincial flooding.

Even prior to this, the message is shared that we are a water-scarce country and every drop counts.

Of equal importance is the installation and maintenance of all the pumps, pipes and other paraphernalia associated with water provision and of course the related contracts and service level agreements.

Water is life, and that life must be protected.