Written by: Errol Naidoo
There was good and bad news for corruption weary citizens this past week. Ex VBS Bank chairperson, Tshifhiwa Madotzi was sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison for his role in the theft of R2 billion of the bank’s money. In a plea deal, Madotzi signed a 70-page statement saying Julius Malema & Floyd Shivambu benefitted from the VBS looting spree.
A Scorpio investigation revealed EFF leaders, Malema and Shivambu received R16,1 million of the VBS loot as “donations” to secure their support. The money stolen from mostly poor depositors was reportedly used to finance Malema and Shivambu’s Gucci lifestyles. ActionSA has demanded a full investigation into the EFF’s links to the VBS heist.
Some Cabinet Ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) got to work immediately. New Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Dean Macpherson revealed three senior DPWI management officials were suspended and 30 department laptops seized in a R300 million cybercrime investigation that may include dept collusion.
New Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Makenzie promised to expose alleged Covid-19 linked corruption in his department and stopped the funding of “superfans” to attend international sporting events especially when SA athletes can’t afford to travel.
Freedom Under Law indicated it will legally challenge Parliaments decision to designate Dr MJ Hlophe as a representative to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Former Western Cape Judge president, John Hlophe was impeached for gross judicial misconduct.
FUL said, “a situation where an individual who committed gross misconduct and removed from judicial office, is now in a position to decide on the suitability of other candidates for judicial appointment is wholly inappropriate, irrational, and susceptible to legal challenge.”
There does appear to be a stronger commitment from GNU partners to expose and end corruption including the waste of tax-payer money. The bad news is this commitment is not shared by the ANC, despite repeated assurances by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa was sworn in as an ANC MP despite being arrested and charged with corruption. He resigned his ministerial position following his arrest but was subsequently rewarded with a lucrative ANC MP post.
Former Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize who was implicated in the R150 million Digital Vibes tender-fraud and forced to resign during the Covid-19 crisis was elected chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs in Parliament.
The 30 Portfolio Committees in Parliament elected its chairpersons last week. “Portfolio Committees are the engine rooms of Parliament where, among others, the work of the executive is scrutinised. Elected chairpersons play a key role in chairing and determining the agenda of meetings and organising the administrative affairs of a committee.”
The role of Portfolio Committees in Parliament are critical. “It includes oversight over the executive and promoting public involvement in law-making. Portfolio Committee meetings are generally open to the public, where ordinary South Africans can express their opinions directly and, in this way, influence the outcome of Parliament’s decisions on legislation.”
Key Committees like Justice, Basic Education, Health, and Finance are chaired by ANC MP’s. The good news, however, is the Standing Committee on Appropriations is chaired by BOSA’s Mmusi Maimane and the critical Standing Committee on Public Accounts, (SCOPA) is chaired by former Business Day editor and Rise Mizansi leader, Songezo Zibi.
More good news is that faithful Christian and DA MP, Bridget Masango was elected chair of the Social Development Portfolio Committee. DA MP, Ian Cameron, who made headlines for publicly challenging former Police Minister, Bheki Cele was elected chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police. These posts suggest more robust executive oversight.
Overall, there is more good, than bad news. The fact that the country went without loadshedding for more than 100 days is perhaps an optimistic indicator that South Africa may have turned the corner and begun the uphill battle to fulfill its full and true potential.
Please continue to earnestly pray for South Africa and especially for all those in authority.
Standing
Errol Naidoo
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Date published: 16/07/2024
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