DA: COVID-19 corruption committee 'mere window dressing'
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has labelled the inter-ministerial committee appointed to focus on allegations of COVID-19 corruption as "window dressing to create the illusion of action".
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday announced that six ministers had been appointed to deal with the allegations of corruption and irregularities in the awarding of tenders to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The committee includes the Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu and Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, while Justice Minister Ronald Lamola who serves as chairperson.
READ: Lamola promises swift action against those guilty of COVID-19 corruption
DA interim leader, John Steenhuisen says the African National Congress (ANC) has no capacity to investigate and prosecute those involved in corruption.
"Never, in 26 years of ANC government, has the ruling party ever found itself or its own members guilty of anything. It's not going to start doing so now.
"South Africans are tired of these empty gestures and feeble attempts at placating them. They want to see action from the president."
He says the DA believes a special inspector-general should be appointed who has the power to summon information or assistance from any government department.
"That's the kind of transparent and capable government our country needs to get through this crisis. But this will require a president who is prepared to act – even if this means acting against his own party.
"We call on President Ramaphosa to abandon the empty window dressing of this inter-ministerial committee and focus instead on steps that have real power to stop corruption in its tracks and hold the guilty to account."
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