Staff Reporter
The ANC says it is “outraged and deeply embarrassed” by its members and their families who are implicated in fresh allegations of corruption related to COVID-19 tender irregularities and profiteering.
The condemnation – coming a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa likened those who sought to profit from the coronavirus pandemic to “scavengers” – follows a meeting of the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) at the weekend that was reportedly split along factional lines over how to deal with the latest scandals.
In a statement released Monday, ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule said the law must come down hard on all involved in corrupt activities.
Although he did not name anyone, Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku and presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko are among several high-ranking party and government officials and their families who are embroiled in coronavirus-related procurement scandals across South Africa.
“The ANC is outraged and deeply embarrassed by recent allegations that some, including its own leaders and members, have sought to benefit unlawfully from the devastating suffering and impoverishment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Magashule said.
“These developments cause us collectively to dip our heads in shame and to humble ourselves before the people.
“We acknowledge the justifiable public outrage caused by the depravity and heartlessness displayed by some elements in government, our organisation and the private sector.
“We unequivocally condemn all forms of corruption, dishonesty and state capture involving the public and private sectors, including collusion, price-fixing, tender fraud, bribery, illicit financial flows, illegal imports and misuse of tax havens.
“We will comprehensively fight corruption, combining both prevention and punishment.
“Those who loot public resources must face the might of the law.
“Corruption has devastating consequences for our economy and society, impacting on the integrity of our institutions and our leaders and undermining the very moral and ethical basis of our young democracy.
“Ethical and moral leadership, in both the public and private sector, will be critical if our collective fight against corruption is to succeed.
“Leaders and members of the ANC are expected to set an example to society by displaying the highest levels of integrity and revolutionary consciousness.
“We are committed to draw a clear line between our organisation and those who steal from the people, thereby subverting the very essence and reason for the ANC’s existence as a servant of the people.”
