4th February 2009

The Inkatha Freedom Party is calling on President Kgalema Motlanthe to launch an urgent Commission of Enquiry into alleged corruption within the Department of Correctional Services.

Recently, allegations of dodgy dealings and tender irregularities surfaced relating to the Bosasa group of companies. Bosasa has received multimillion-rand contracts from Minster Ngconde Balfour's department.

"In spite of endless seminars, new policies and plans, corruption has become endemic within the Department of Correctional Services - as money, deals and favours are spread around the political elite and its connections. The ethical degeneration within the Department of Correctional Services cannot be allowed to continue and we must now expose and eliminate the corrupt practices within the department," said Mrs Sybil Seaton, the IFP Correctional Services Spokesperson.

The allegations of corruption were brought to Parliament's attention by correctional services director-general Vernie Petersen. Mr Petersen has since been relieved of his duties

"It has become very clear that the ruling party and in this case, the Department of Correctional Services, do not look kindly on those who expose wrongdoers. It is now very clear to the IFP that Mr Petersen was probing too deep into the pit of corruption," said Seaton.

The IFP believes that alongside the many successes of our transformation runs a parallel story of corrupt elected representatives and government officials.

"The IFP stands for a universal crackdown on all instances of corruption which must be exposed and punished harshly. The IFP therefore calls on the President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe, to set-up an urgent Commission of Enquiry into the matter," said Sybil Seaton.

Contact:
Mrs Sybil Seaton,            083 412 0075.