JUSTICE Minister Penuell Maduna has lashed graft-busting Judge Willem Heath for suggesting the government is not dedicated to fighting corruption, saying his remarks sounded similar to those uttered by the opposition.
Maduna said he hoped the judicial service commission would take note of the remarks, adding that a statement of this nature not only discouraged potential investors, but ?seriously undermined? the government’s efforts at combating corruption and maladministration.
“Heath should have noted with appreciation the fact that this government is the one which promulgated the law establishing the special investigating unit currently led by him,” said Maduna.
Maduna said it would had been appropriate if Heath had mentioned the government?s major steps against corruption, and that in addition to his unit, it had established mechanisms such as the Public Protector’s Office and the Asset Forfeiture Unit, and had reorganised the Office for Serious Economic Offences.
Heath, the controversial head of the special investigation unit, earlier this week told a security convention that corruption governed South Africa, which was led by people who were not serious about fighting it, and that steps had to be taken to ensure the country did not “go the same way” as Third World Africa.
Heath said there was a culture of dishonesty in South Africa, and that the government was not dedicated to the fight against corruption.
“I doubt they are serious about corruption,” Heath told his audience.
Said Maduna: “I am astonished by the statement attributed to Heath. I am disappointed with the judge’s remarks which are in my view familiar to that normally uttered by a particular opposition party.”
ZA*NOW:
Corruption governs South Africa: Heath April 4, 2001
Graft hotline pelted with rotten apples March 20, 2001
How do we fight corruption? March 12, 2001
Incompetence rules … February 13, 2001
‘Local corruption hits poor’ July 16, 1998