The ANC in the Eastern Cape has called for tough action against those people identified in the Public Protector’s damning report on government expenditure on the funeral of former President, Nelson Mandela.
The ANC in the Eastern Cape also called on Premier Phumullo Masualle and all relevant government agencies, like the NPA and the Hawks, to “give the report, its recommendations and remedial action due and proper consideration without fail.”
“This report is exceptionally significant for our growing democracy because it will hopefully shed some light on the level of influence, corruption and meddling by some sections of business in our government's affairs,” said ANC Eastern Cape Communications Manager Gift Ngqondi.
“Our view is consistent with our long-standing campaign against corruption, fraud, wasteful expenditure and mismanagement of public funds and we strongly call for tough action to be taken against anyone found to have been involved in such conduct,” he said.
On Monday, Public Protector Busi Mkhwebane said that an investigation had unearthed evidence of massive inflation of prices, misappropriation of funds, poor planning by the South African government, and disregard for supply chain regulations during the memorial and funeral services of former President Nelson Mandela.
Mkhwebane’s findings also confirmed earlier reports of a R250‚000 payment into Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle’s private account from which he did not benefit and ordered that the payment be reversed.
However, Mkhwebane found that the transaction “was improper and constitutes maladministration”.
Nqondi said that the ANC in the Eastern Cape reaffirmed its support for the function and work of Chapter 9 institutions such as the Public Protector which bear the responsibility for supporting constitutional democracy.
“We will reserve comment on the content of the report until the Premier and the Legislature had an opportunity to exercise their responsibilities in this matter,” he said.
“The ANC Eastern Cape, therefore, calls on the Premier, Hawks, NPA and all mentioned organs of state to give the report, its recommendations and remedial action due and proper consideration without fail”.
