Photo: PresidencyZA
Ramaphosa determined not to let COVID-19 funds land in wrong hands
Government has commited billions to the fight against the spread of the pandemic.
Photo: PresidencyZA
The aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis will not involve a commission of inquiry over misspent funds, if President Cyril Ramaphosa gets his way.
A total of R500bn has been directed towards socio-economic relief as South Africa grapples with the impact of the novel virus.
Ramaphosa announced this on Tuesday, and the hefty amount triggered fears that some of the funds may not reach intended recepients, due to corruption.
Government determined to avoid looting of funds
However, the President says a watchful eye will be placed on the funds and how they are spent.
“I do not want to hear about a commission request after the Covid package. I don’t want to hear of a Covid commission, and therefore we want to take proactive steps,” he told reporters in Johannesburg on Friday.
Cyril Ramaphosa
In his address on Tuesday, Ramaphosa condemned “unscrupulous” officials, issuing a stern warning against corrupt activities.
He says he has had a word with the Auditor General with regards to the newly-released funds.
“I spoke to the auditor-general yesterday and I said, ‘auditor-general we need to put in place systems on a proactive basis so money does not end up in people’s pockets’,” he said.
Cyril Ramaphosa
Stern action against corrupt individuals
The early days of the lockdown have been littered with reports of officials allegedly looking to benefit from resources that are meant for the poor.
“We abhor the fact that there have been stories and allegations that some of this has ended up in people’s pockets and councillors have been abusing this,” Ramaphosa said.
Cyril Ramaphosa
He added;
“We are taking proactive steps to ensure it does not happen,” Ramaphosa said.
Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa was in Johannesburg to visit facilities identified by Gauteng as integral to the fight against the pandemic.
South Africa has recorded 3 953 COVID-19 cases with a death toll of 75.
Another update on the impact of the coronavirus in the country will be issued out by health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on Friday evening.
