The PSA, which represents 240 000 public servants,  has described the recent news reports of officials involved in the coronavirus-related corruption as deplorable. Speaking on behalf of the PSA, Reuben Maleka, says the wide-spread corruption and mismanagement of public monies have contributed to the country’s financial woes with the state pleading poverty.

The PSA's reaction follows news that MEC for Health in Gauteng, Bandile Masuku, and Presidential Spokesperson, Khusela Diko, are involved in the alleged Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tender irregularities.

In May, OFM News reported that the North West Health Department suspended four of its senior officials, including its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), over alleged tender fraud.

"In the wake of reports of senior officials in North West and KwaZulu-Natal are also being investigated on various counts of corruption relating to PPE and catering tenders. The PSA regards the widespread blatant looting of public funds to be a “pandemic” that is equally devastating as Covid-19.

"It is deplorable that some senior public officials entrusted with the responsibility to lead by example are opportunistically using the Covid-19 crisis to enrich themselves at the expense of suffering citizens," Maleka says.

The association has further called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) to act decisively and fast-track investigations. Maleka reiterated many calls made by irate South Africans that the fragile public purse must be safeguarded and anti-corruption measures must be enforced.

"Those involved in corruption, irrespective of their positions, must be made to account for their crimes and reimburse the state for monies lost. The PSA will continue to advocate for zero-tolerance of corruption in the Public Service and encourages public servants to report any form of corruption and mismanagement through the anti-corruption hotline, " he adds.

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