Former president Kgalema Motlanthe made comments about the theft of Covid-19 funds and food parcel. He said these people involved in this theft are known and even when reported, no consequence or any form of punishment has been set in place for them.
Motlanthe emphasised the importance of integrity and its link to public opinion, warning that officials should not think public opinion does not matter or feel they can get away with any conviction in a court of law.
“That’s what needs to be understood. You can’t be in public office and questions are raised about your overall integrity and you remain in office,” he said.
“From folklore and old traditions, that’s why our people say: ‘A o na di dihlong, unembeza?’ (Have you no shame?) Di hlong di kae (Where is the shame) if you are going to use a burial to syphon away money or the distribution of food parcels?” the former president also added.
Although, a specialised investigative unit is already working on probing claims of corruption involving the Covid-19 social relief fund and there has been series of reports that officials attempted to steal food parcels or to use them for patronage purposes. They are expected to be working on this report.
