Politicians cannot investigate other politicians, says Corruption Watch
Corruption Watch believes that the inter-ministerial committee appointed to focus on allegations of COVID-19 corruption is 'unnecessary' as it cannot produce unbiased results.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that six ministers had been appointed to deal with the allegations of corruption and irregularities in the awarding of tenders during coronavirus.
The committee includes the Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola who will also chair the committee.
Corruption Watch's Head of Campaigns and Stakeholder, Kavisha Pillay, says the committee is unlikely to produce unbiased results given that the individuals involved are members of the ruling party (ANC) or have the attachment to the party.
"We do not understand the point of dedicating more ministerial capacity and resources when it can be redirected to agencies that have a mandate to probe.
READ: Lamola promises swift action against those guilty of COVID-19 corruption
It is not their job to conduct investigations, they rather focus on doing oversights as members of parliament," says Pillay.
She adds South Africans have lost hope when it comes to the effective and independent oversight of allegations.
"We need a sectoral multi-agency body that will independently probe allegations of corruption.
At the moment it doesn't seem like government is intending to keep these bodies separate and ensuring that civil rights' bodies collaborate in dealing with corruption," says Pillay.
She adds resources should be invested in ensuring that law enforcement agencies are fully equipped to do their work.
"If the government is serious about fighting corruption in the country, it should ensure that our law enforcement agencies/bodies fighting corruption are adequately equipped with enough resources to adequately and independently probe allegations of corruption," concludes Pillay.
