Watchdogs say corruption, cadre deployment worse under GNU
One year after the formation of South Africa's Government of National Unity, civil society watchdogs say corruption is not only ongoing but worse in some departments.
Image: IOL Graphics
Talk is cheap, and the GNU is proving it. Civil society watchdog, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse and Accountability Now warns that corruption has not just continued under the coalition government, in some departments, it's getting even worse.
The GNU, formed after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in the May 2024 general elections, has come under fire for continuing many of the same practices that plagued previous administrations.
The GNU was established after the ANC entered into a coalition with its long-time rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and several smaller parties.
While the arrangement was praised as a new chapter in South African politics, tensions over corruption cases, policy implementation, governance, and ethics have plagued the coalition from the start.
Despite pledges to curb corruption, cadre deployment, and nepotism, these issues have persisted.
Others argue that they have even worsened.
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Speaking to IOL News, Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), said while there have been signs of improvement in governance, particularly in departments led by the DA - corruption remains rampant.
'In fact, it's worse because the networks that exist within many of the government departments, especially in higher education and transport, are still plundering away. That I can assure you,' Duvenage said.
He said that these networks were established during the fifth and sixth ANC administrations and continue to exert influence.
Among the most notable scandals under the GNU are allegations involving senior ANC members:
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who reportedly took a R575,600 loan from the now-collapsed VBS Mutual Bank to buy a Sandton coffee shop while serving as the mayor of Polokwane.
Appearing before the Justice Portfolio Committee in Parliament last year, Simelane denied any wrong-doing regarding the controversial VBS scandal and a loan she had taken to buy a coffee shop.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has since removed Simelane as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development following corruption allegations and moved her to Human Settlements.
Mmamoloko Kubayi, who was the Minister of Human Settlements was appointed to the portfolio previously held by Simelane.
She has also been linked to inflated billing with an Eskom contractor, claims she denies.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who has been under investigation by the Hawks for R2.5 million in alleged tender fraud during her tenure at Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has previously defended Ntshavheni, saying that she has to respond to the allegations.
IOL News previously reported that speaking at a media briefing three months ago, Mbalula said the party would not be drawn into commenting on the matter suffice to say that the ANC will respond on "something tangible".
Accusing the DPCI or Hawks of trying to ruin Ntshavheni's image, Mbalula said law enforcement must not seek to find people guilty through media.
Ntshavheni has not said anything regarding the allegations.
Despite mounting calls from political parties for Ramaphosa to take action against the two, no action has yet been taken against either minister.
Recently, the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) has faced public backlash following controversial board appointments by Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, including figures with strong ANC ties, including Gwede Mantashe's son, Buyambo.
The appointments were later withdrawn.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has also been embroiled in corruption allegations.
The previous board was dissolved, and the institution placed under administration.
A new board has since been appointed, with a mandate to clean up operations.
Duvenage acknowledged that the GNU has led to more civil society engagement and less unilateral decision-making than in previous administrations.
He pointed to the rejection of a proposed 2% VAT increase as a sign of healthy political contestation.
'It's been going for a year, and it has had its ups and downs, but it has held its ground,' he said.
'The fact that they couldn't steamroll the budget through Parliament is a positive sign.'
He added that despite ideological differences, the ANC and DA have managed to hold the coalition together.
'So far, actually, so good,' he added.
However, Duvenage admitted that true accountability remains elusive.
'There's a long way to go.'
Meanwhile, accountability advocate Paul Hoffman of Accountability Now emphasised the structural weaknesses in prosecuting corruption.
'The Zondo Commission identified more than 1,000 individuals involved in corruption. But the Criminal Justice Administration has done little,' Hoffman said.
He criticised the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), established to tackle high-level graft, calling it ineffective.
Hoffman argued that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is not independent enough to deal with serious corruption, as it operates under the control of the Department of Justice.
'The Constitutional Court has said corruption should be handled by a body outside executive control,' Hoffman told IOL News.
'The NPA is not that body.'
The DA has previously introduced two bills in Parliament calling for a new Chapter 9 anti-corruption commission, a move Hoffman believes could be transformative, if passed.
'It will need ANC support to pass, requiring a two-thirds majority. Until that happens, the culture of impunity will continue,' he said.
The DA has previously put forward two private member's bills to fight corruption and cybercrime.
One calls for a new Chapter 9 Anti-Corruption Commission to tackle serious graft and organized crime, while the other proposes a Cyber Commission to deal with digital threats.
He added that effective governance under the GNU depends heavily on whether structural reforms are enacted.
'The GNU has improved parliamentary accountability in some ways, like with the budget process. But that's not enough.'
Hoffman also tied corruption to South Africa's broader socio-economic crises, including high unemployment, inequality, crime, and poor infrastructure.
'You can't grow the economy while investors are afraid of losing their money to corruption,' he said.
'Addressing corruption is the number one priority.'
According to both Duvenage and Hoffman, without institutional reform and political will, South Africa's long-standing issues will remain unresolved.
This comes as the GNU enters its second year, the coalition faces mounting pressure to act decisively.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
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