Corruption blamed for low clean audits
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) says it has taken serious note of the report by the Auditor General, Terence Nombembe, revealing that of the 278 municipalities audited, only 17 received clean audits in the 2011/12 financial year.
Samwu spokesperson, Tahir Sema, says in a statement that the union believes that the situation in the local government sector is worse that what the AG noted.
Having members within every municipality, Samwu members have, according to Sema, complained about the level of corruption within local government on many occasions.
“In almost every municipality corruption is rife, and we receive reports on a daily basis from all nine provinces detailing corrupt practices, including maladministration and nepotism.
“The local government sector is without doubt amongst the most corrupt spheres of Government with the least accountability, despite legislation that is supposed to protect government resources,” says Sema.
He further states that unless this culture of corruption is stopped, the country will continue to receive depressing reports on the progress of municipalities.
“In the meantime, our poor communities continue to struggle to survive and service delivery protests are increasing. “Many communities are forced to take to the streets to ensure that even the most basic of services are provided,” says Sema.
“Corruption is not just an illegal activity; it is a political act that deprives our people of their basic human and material rights.”
Samwu calls for government to take responsibility, lead by example, and show that corruption will not be tolerated at any level or by anyone.
