Thembisa Shologu
Premier David Makhura has
sent a strong message that those involved in corruption acts will not be
tolerated in the province and should go to jail. 
Addressing the virtual sitting of the Gauteng
Provincial Legislature on Tuesday, 1 September 2020, following the recent
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procurement saga, Premier Makhura said such
behaviour showed that the criminal-minded were always looking for an opportunity
to pounce. 
 
“This doesn’t seem like
something that just happened, it seems like it was a plan designed to ensure
that proper rules were not followed and people wanted to make a quick buck. 
“This is the time when we
need to see people go to jail for corruption. Money must be recovered from both
businesses and government officials, I have no mercy for those found guilty,”
said Makhura.
As part of ensuring proper controls on
COVID-related expenditure, the province has customised the financial system to
enable accounting of all COVID-related expenditure. 
 
“This assists in identifying any potential red
flags including overspending and misallocations on a monthly basis. 
 
“We brought both the Gauteng Audit Services
(GAS) and subsequently the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to investigate
procurement malfeasance. It is clear that a number of things went wrong in the
procurement of PPE,” said the Premier.
 
Furthermore, the Forensic Investigation Unit has
been transferred to the Office of the Premier so that it could work with other
state agencies to proactively prevent corruption and looting in all major
projects across government in Gauteng.
 
“We will continue to strengthen ethical culture
across the system of government. This includes transparency, accountability and
swift action against any acts of corruption in government and society.
 
“This is also because those that are in public
office and those that are public servants are serving the people, and as such,
must account on the utilisation of state resources,” he said.
 
The Special Investigation Unit is currently
investigating if there has been any collusion or price fixing among the
suppliers of PPE.
 
“Collusion and price fixing is corruption and it
must be treated with seriousness and ruthless determination,” concluded
Makhura.

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