The co-chairpersons of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, Prof Ben Turok and Mr Lemias Mashile, are concerned by media reports containing serious allegations about the integrity of public representatives and their spouses.
The Committee’s attention has been drawn to a press report (The Star, 28 August 2012) containing serious allegations about the integrity of public representatives and their spouses.
The assertion is that “kickbacks are paid in cash or through sub-contracts given to relatives or the spouses of politicians and public servants”. The sources of these allegations are anonymous.
It is also asserted that BEE companies pass on the costs of bribes in the prices charged to consumers.
The Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests has a responsibility to protect the integrity of Parliament. However, it is frustrating when allegations are made without evidence.
The Committee therefore requests any person with evidence of wrong doing as referred to above to contact the Committee as soon as possible.
