The IFP feels vindicated following the seizure of several immovable properties and vehicles belonging to the Chief Financial Officer in the KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Office, Ziphathe Cibane, and his co-accused and their entities. The assets – valued at R23 million – were seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
First and foremost, the IFP welcomes this recent development, following the allegations of corruption levelled against the Chief Financial Officer in the KZN Premier’s Office, as well as his co-accused and their entities. When the IFP raised issues around corruption in the KZN Premier’s Office, the Party was accused of trying to gain cheap political mileage, of point-scoring and of using the opportunity to portray itself as a saint – at the Premier’s Office’s expense. This development vindicates the IFP, who have in the past raised concerns about corruption happening right under the KZN Premier’s nose.
In the same breath, the IFP commends the Premier for ensuring that all those who are corrupt in his Office are exposed. However, the IFP believes that the Premier can do more to ensure that corruption is not tolerated. The IFP reiterates its call that the Premier must speed up the all-important process of conducting lifestyle audits.
The fight against corruption is perhaps one of the most defining struggles of our time. It should be a priority because there is far too much at stake. To win the war against corruption, an ethical culture must be inculcated within the public service, and society at large. In order to achieve this, we need public servants who selflessly strive to sustainably improve the lives of people by being professional, ethical, principle-centred and values-driven. We need public servants who resist the temptation to loot the public purse. People with an insatiable appetite for embezzling public funds have no place in the public service. Corrupt people must be arrested. This issue is non-negotiable.
Lastly, the IFP is concerned about the ongoing culture of significant internal control deficiencies; lack of adherence to supply-chain management regulations; the procurement of goods and services without inviting competitive bids; as well as the approval of deviations when it was practical to invite competitive bids in the awarding of tenders.
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Contact:
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP National Chairperson and Chief Whip in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842