The Prime Minister of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. Thami Ntuli, said that he is concerned that measures are not being taken immediately to discipline the officials of the provincial government departments, who are suspected of corruption and violating money management laws.
Ntuli said that the lack of immediate action against officials suspected of corruption, makes people distrust the government. He said this while speaking at a special provincial Cabinet meeting, which was attended by all heads of provincial government departments.
In a statement, Ntuli said they want immediate action to be taken against those who do not follow the money management law.
“When we came into power, we committed ourselves that we will handle the public money honestly. The era of corruption, fraud and people who fail to do their jobs is over. The lack of immediate action against those accused of corruption, makes me feel that people will see that those who are doing what is against the law are being left alone. This will make people distrust the provincial government. We should not stop at just talking, but we should walk by the words we said when we committed to lead with integrity.”
Ntuli said he knows that sometimes the disciplinary action of officials is accompanied by the fact that there are principles that must be followed when there is a disciplinary action plan.
“There should be discussions with other agencies such as the Special Investigating Unit, in order to see how to solve the problems that are delaying the direction of the crime. There should be a way to work together that will enable immediate action to be taken against those involved.”
Ntuli also told departmental officials to ensure that they are paid within 30 days, businessmen who have been awarded tenders.
“The law set by the Treasury Department states that government departments must pay entrepreneurs within 30 days, unless there are reasons that prevent the department from meeting this deadline. All government departments must strive to pay all entrepreneurs within the specified days. Timely payment by government departments will ensure that small businesses are not disturbed and create job opportunities.”