The IFP firmly believes that now is the time for the establishment of a Chapter 9 Integrity Commission which will combat, investigate and prosecute high-level corruption in the public service in our country.
In a response to the IFP’s written parliamentary question, it appears that the Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola’s hands are tied and he is found between a rock and a hard-place in pursuing the establishment of such a commission; as the Minister opted for copying and pasting government’s current corruption busting authorities.
While we note the inadequate response of Minister Lamola, the fact remains that there have been no prosecutions of high-level graft in South Africa. As it stands, there is no politician nor public servant behind bars.
It is imperative that an Integrity Commission oversees the actions of public servants and the Executive in order to avoid a state capture and further to address low levels of integrity, confidence and trust in government.
We can ill-afford continuing the practice of merely suspending public servants for months and in some cases for years, on full pay, while authorities drag their feet in closing cases and South Africans watch how those in office get away with looting the public’s coffers.
Contact:
Narend Singh MP
IFP Chief Whip in Parliament
083 788 5954
