In reaction to the arrest of former KZN MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mike Mabuyakhulu and others who stand accused of fraud, corruption and theft, the IFP says it welcomed the arrest but it has been long overdue.
“As the IFP we are shocked but not surprised as we have been very vocal about the abuse of public funds after the provincial government paid R28million for Durban North Sea Jazz Festival, an event that did not take place and this money has not been recovered to date. We have raised this matter but the KZN MEC of Finance, Belinda Scott threatened us with legal action. The MEC is hell bent in hiding this matter under the carpet. The MEC has failed to implement public protector’s remedial action as stated in her “Rocking the Boat” report, which exposed the abuse of power,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“The public needs to know who has become rich at the expense of the poor and why is it that the KZN MEC of Finance, Belinda Scott is not interested in pursuing the recovery of this money? We are not happy when some high-profile leaders are colluding with business people to defraud and corrupt our government departments. This issue signals the fact that corruption and abuse of public resources in the country has reached new alarming and deplorable levels,” continued Mr Gwala.
“As the IFP we hope that this time sanity will prevail as in August 2012 acting director of public prosecutions, Moipone Noko dropped fraud and corruption charges against Mabuyakhulu as well as former KwaZulu-Natal Speaker, Peggy Nkonyeni and others who were implicated in the so called “Amigos” R144 million corruption case involving Uruguayan businessman Gaston Savoi. The fight against corruption must not take a back seat. Tough and consistent actions against corruption must be kept up. Once a back seat is taken, corruption will gain futile ground to spread like a pernicious virus. Thus, tackling corruption should remain at the forefront,” concluded Mr Gwala.
Furthermore, the IFP says all those implicated in this matter must be punished and repay back the money they benefited illegally. Also, we call on the KZN Premier, Willies Mchunu to urgently announce to the public the outcomes of the investigations.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842
