Ramaphosa on corruption: ‘It’s like a pack of hyenas circling wounded prey’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued fierce fighting words to those accused of corrupting government’s costly coronavirus relief efforts.

Amid a sudden surge of allegations and investigations into the wanton looting of economic packages aimed at battling the burgeoning pandemic, the pervasive rot of corruption amongst municipalities and governmental departments has cast doubt on Ramaphosa’s administration. In a lengthy address via his customary Monday-morning newsletter, Ramaphosa responded to the public outcry which recently hit dismally close to the president’s office.

Ramaphosa reiterated that the looting of public funds — particularly during the time of a pandemic — was a particularly heinous crime that would be dealt with “decisively and harshly”. The president pointed to examples of over-inflated supply costs of personal protective equipment (PPE) — for which his own spokesperson’s husband stands accused of benefiting from — to corruption involving government’s emergency feeding programme and fraudulent gains from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

President Ramaphosa: ‘We need to do more’

In expanding upon previously-mentioned measures aimed at curbing corruption and holding fraudsters to account — which involves a far-reaching proclamation afforded to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) — Ramaphosa described the widespread siphoning of public funds as unconscionable, saying:

“Attempting to profit from a disaster that is claiming the lives of our people every day is the action of scavengers. It is like a pack of hyenas circling wounded prey.

As we find ourselves in the grip of the greatest health emergency our country has faced in over a century, we are witnessing theft by individuals and companies with no conscience.”

Ramaphosa added that the flurry of corruptive dealings involved collusion between private enterprises and public representatives seeking to leverage political connections in get-rich-quick schemes. The president admitted that while law enforcement agencies had been empowered to root out corruption, checks and balances related to procurement processes needed to be fortified. Ramaphosa said:

“But it is clear that we need to do more. And that we need to act more decisively.

As we set out to mobilise resources on an unprecedented scale to confront coronavirus and its effects on businesses, jobs and livelihoods, we put in place several measures to safeguard these funds.

These included regulations to ensure that emergency procurement of supplies and services was fair, transparent, competitive and cost effective.”

The collaborative fight against corruption

In an attempt to get a better overview of the scale of corruption related to the looting of coronavirus relief funds, Ramaphosa confirmed that he would be receiving reports every six weeks and that any associated criminal charges would be fast-tracked.

The president also called on South African citizens to speak out about corruption, noting that a collaborative effort — between the state and affected communities — would yield the best results. Ramaphosa said:

“Ultimately, the success of these efforts does not rely on law enforcement alone. It depends on the actions of all individuals and all formations within society – from public servants to politicians, from businesses to political parties, from Parliament to government departments.

It depends on the vigilance of citizens, religious bodies, traditional leaders, professional associations, the media and many others. I therefore encourage people to ‘blow the whistle’ should they have information about acts of malfeasance in relation to the abuse of public funds or resources.”

Diko threatens to sue journalist who ‘exposed corruption’

Ramaphosa’s report on corruption coincides with Khusela Diko — the president’s spokesperson who has been placed on special leave following allegations of nepotism — and husband, Madzikane Thandisizwe Diko, threatening to sue Independent Media for a report which exposed a lucrative tender deal for the supply of PPE.

Diko denies any wrongdoing in relation to the R124 million contract, despite the clear conflict of interest and allegations of a serious over-inflation.

Diko and Gauteng Health MEC, Bandile Masuku, have been placed on leave pending an investigation by both the SIU and the African National Congress’ (ANC) Integrity Commission.