The Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Fikile Xasa, says the President’s authorisation for the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to investigate corruption in municipalities will bring closure to the maladministration reported during the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela.
“We must bring closure to this matter, especially as it takes place in the year in which we celebrate the Centenary of Nelson Mandela. All wrongdoers must face the full might of the law without fear or favour.
“Acts of corruption, collusion and other criminal activities in the private and public sector, must be fought with equal diligence and determination,” said Xasa.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamations to investigate several matters involving allegations of fraud and corruption at various municipalities in the Eastern Cape.
Municipalities that will be investigated are Buffalo City Metro, King Sabata Dalindyebo, OR Tambo and the Nelson Mandela Metro.
MEC Xasa said the investigations will provide an opportunity to all affected individuals to come forward and clear their names.
He called for the effective coordination of efforts to expose and prosecute those involved.
Xasa said communities have already taken up the fight against acts of fraud and corruption through protest actions to highlight lack of service delivery.
“We call on our leaders to distance themselves from any forms of maladministration by taking charge of community complaints and stop waiting for outside help. We encourage municipal leadership to implement without fail the recommendations of forensic investigations that have been undertaken in their municipalities.
“Government is taking a dim view of the non-implementation of such recommendations by municipalities, which appears to be a trend,” he said.
Xasa said the fight against fraud and corruption remains an important priority if government is to provide sustainable services to communities. - SAnews.gov.za
