Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has warned those involved in corrupt practices linked to tenders issued for COVID-19 relief purposes.
Crooked business figures and politicians have been accused of stealing from the R500 billion provided by the president to help South Africa cope with the devastating effects of the virus.
At least, 90 companies were exposed after confirming that they did not honour their contract with the Government. Some have claimed inflated bonuses for themselves while others have gouged their prices for items like PPE and other medical supplies. This claim was made over the weekend.
Around R2.2 billion has allegedly been looted so far. This made Tito Mboweni’s to turn to twitter to slam the ‘unscrupulous thieves’, and threaten those parties involved that the government is keeping a close eye on those who are suspected of ‘defrauding the state’:
“The wrongs being done by unscrupulous thieves must be dealt with decisively. It is time that leadership led without fear, favour, or prejudice. Watch this space… A tender is an ethical contract. It is not a blank cheque to deceive and steal. And stealing from unwell people! During a COVID-19 pandemic! Please, people.”
“What kind of people are these criminals? We should be working together to defeat the virus. Not see this as an opportunity to defraud the State and unwell people. We are watching you and there has to be consequences. For sure. Game over!”
See tweet below:
The wrongs being done by unscrupulous thieves must be dealt with decisively. It is time that leadership led without fear, favour or prejudice. Watch the space.
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) July 26, 2020
A tender is an ethical contract. It is not a blank cheque to deceive and steal. And stealing from unwell people! During a COVID-19 pandemic! Please people. What kind of people are these criminals?!
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) July 26, 2020
We should be working together to defeat the virus. Not see this as an opportunity to defraud the State and unwell people. We are watching you and there has to be consequences. For sure. Game over!
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) July 26, 2020
