Member's Statement by Ms I Mars MP
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY : 16th May 2008 Madame Speaker, Twenty six public servants appeared before a Pietermaritzburg regional magistrate on Thursday and were fined between R2000 and R5000, with alternative 6 or 12 month jail sentences for taking part in housing scams. A further 30 are to appear in connection with similar scams each month until December. There are thousands of people who have been struggling, and waiting for years for their houses. It is through unscrupulous public servants such as these that the people who really do qualify for, and deserve, these houses are made to suffer. It is questionable whether such light fines will be a deterrent and stop dishonest public servants from committing similar offences in future. The capacity of the relevant managers as well as the anti corruption measures within the department concerned must be questioned and re-examined. Measures must be taken to correct this mess and root out the criminal element within this, and all governmental departments. We have got to stop the rot if we are to deliver upon our promises. I thank you. FOR MORE INFORMATION |