Corruption Watch said today that government must put measures in place to prevent the looting of the R500 billion COVID-19 rescue package announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last night.
The bulk of the rescue package is meant to alleviate pressure on businesses, saving jobs and reigniting consumer spending through a temporary increase of social grants, and grants to unemployed people.
David Lewis, Corruption Watch’s executive director, said while there has been great openness and transparency in providing updates on current statistics and healthcare measures in place, there has been less in the matter of distribution of aid and food to those most in need.
“While the South African government has been widely praised, and deservedly so, for the urgent, honest and science-based response to the virus, it must be candidly recognised that the extension of increased powers to the law enforcement community, procurement officials and elected representatives is open to abuse and that this has proved to be the case,” Lewis said.
“While our current circumstances may call for these enhanced powers, this demands increased transparency, vigilance and accountability, particularly against the backdrop of the extremely high levels of corruption that have characterised South African public life for so long.”
Media reports emerged over the weekend of councillors who have allegedly abused the food parcel program put together by the government to alleviate pressure on embattled households.
President Ramaphosa in his speech last night said his administration will take tough actions against anyone found stealing food parcels.
The government must have committed to distribute 250,000 food parcels over the next two weeks to impoverished families.
