North West Premier Thandi Modise says the fight against crime and corruption would continue to be the priority of the provincial government for the next three years and beyond.
"We are intensifying our effort to unmask perpetrators of crime and corruption, deepen and consolidate the advance we have made over the past three years and will not hesitate to ensure that those who are involved in corrupt activities are being brought to book with maximum punishment, “said MEC for Finance, Paul Sebegoe who spoke on behalf of Premier Thandi Modise at the Anti-Corruption Learning Network Gala Dinner held at Orion Safari Hotel on Wednesday.
The two-day 3rd annual anti-corruption roundtable hosted buy the office of the Premier in partnership with the provincial anti-corruption forum is aimed at creating a deeper understanding of the many facets of the scourge of corruption and strengthening the implementation of programmes to combat the phenomenon. It is also used to address the use of cell phones to perpetuate fraud, corruption and the technological equipment used in cyber crime.
Premier Modise strongly warned that those who were involved in corrupt activities would have no place to hide.
“We have being tolerating corrupt people especially in the public sector for some time. I want to warn you especially if you are a manager and involved in corrupt activities to stop because there is no place for you in the public service,” she said.
She further emphasised that those who are planning corruption should not do so because there is growing intolerance towards corruption amongst communities and that more politicians and chief executives are being tried and convicted for committing corruption.
Modise said the provincial government had resolved to act strongly against corrupt officials in the public service. “Our provincial government will not rest until the fight against corruption is won at all level because it hampers service delivery to our people,” she said. Echoing Premier Modise’s words is the Chairperson of the North West Public Service Commission, Ms Musa Sejosenoe.
She said that more must still be done in the province to root out corruption. She encouraged community members in the province to use toll free number to report corruption. “It is important that without fear as community members, corruption must be reported.
We will ensure that the fighting corruption without any fear or favour is the order of the day because corruption cost government a lot of monies which are supposed to go to the poor,” she said.
Fani Xaba, from the Business Management Forum (BMF), said that the time to talk about corruption was over but to act strongly. He said corruption does not only affect public service but it affects private companies.
“We have noticed that to will the fight against corruption all of us must partner because even businesses are affected because of corruption, We pledge our support to government in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
