The group that silently gathered in front of OR Tambo House, where Premier Sisi Ntombela’s offices are situated, says it is unacceptable that those politically connected are enriching themselves while the masses are bearing the brunt of the coronavirus and economic downfall. 

The silent protest forms part of a nationwide campaign against corruption which the South African Council of Churches (SACC) has organised this month, under the banner #CorruptionIsNotOurHeritage. 

Reverend Vuyelwa Sebolao, leading the protest in Bloemfontein, told OFM News they cannot sit back and watch more and more people lose their lives to Covid-19 whilst those who are supposed to be leading the province and the country at large, continue to enrich themselves.

“Corruption is not our heritage, enough is enough. As South Africans let us stand up against corruption. When you witness any corrupt activities blow the whistle. Let us not try to save those trying to corrupt our country because they are robbing those who are supposed to be receiving whatever they are being entrusted with,” said Sebolao.

The protest by church members comes just days after the Office of the Auditor-General (AG) has put the spotlight on Covid-19 funds and how the government has been spending billions on Personal Protective Equipment. 

AG Kimi Makwetu's damning report released earlier this month detailed the misappropriation of funds intended for Covid-19 relief. Makwetu has presented how the audit of 16 key Covid-19 initiatives introduced by the government, and the management of R147.4 billion in funds made available for these initiatives, indicate clear signs of overpricing, unfair processes, fraud, and supply chain management legislation that were sidestepped by government departments.

The silent protest in front of Ntombela’s offices also comes amidst growing calls for investigations into the R2.7 million contracts awarded to former Premier Ace Magashule’s sons. It is alleged Motheko Projects and Marvel Deeds, owned by Tshepiso Magashule and his younger brother Thato respectively, were awarded contracts to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a result of their father's close relationship with the Free State MEC for Finance.

Sebolao tells OFM News they are hopeful their calls against corruption will not fall on deaf ears.

OFM News