The fight against corruption will only be won once those who want to use government positions and procurement procedures for private benefit fear that they will be exposed, arrested and dismissed from their positions.
We report this week on the suspension by the Gauteng provincial government of its head of public works in what appears to be a sustained effort by the premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, to crack down on graft.
The move follows Mokonyane’s swift action last month in compelling the resignation of a provincial minister who, just 21 days into office, bought a Mercedes-Benz with government money, only for it to be stolen the following day. The premier also reconfigured Gauteng government agencies, which were being used to dispense patronage and provide sheltered employment for cronies.
The fact that controversial figures such as Tony Yengeni and Nyami Booi weren’t given prominent positions in the Zuma Cabinet, and the likes of Brian Hlongwa were excluded from the Gauteng executive, also demonstrate President Jacob Zuma’s commitment to cleaning up.
There are other examples, such as the suspension of correctional services commissioner Xoliswa Sibeko and her chief financial officer over the alleged abuse of state funds to rent expensive private accommodation when state-owned alternatives are available.
Notwithstanding these positive signs, it is hard to escape the conclusion that — as with the Thabo Mbeki regime — the clean-up is selective.
The correctional services department, for example, made a public noise about suspending Sibeko, then quietly terminated the services of the only remaining corruption-busting force, the Special Investigating Unit.
Free State premier Ace Magashule seems likely to get away with a flat denial of allegations that he solicited a bribe to influence a casino transaction.
We are hugely encouraged by the positive signs, but for the anti-corruption effort to work it must be fearless and utterly consistent. If it is not, we will soon find ourselves back in a politicised battle of enforcement agencies.