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ActionSA welcomes the groundbreaking Supreme Court of Appeal Schippers judgement, which now empowers the government to reclaim funds stolen through the abuse of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) regulations. This landmark ruling marks a crucial step in holding to account those who engaged in state capture and the extensive corruption that has plagued our country for the past fourteen years.

The ANC government, under both former and current leadership, has consistently failed to prosecute the corrupt cadres embedded within government and civil service structures, allowing a culture of impunity to flourish. These politicians and  officials, positioned strategically, have continuously enabled a system that ultimately led to “nine wasted years” of state capture, followed by “five more wasted years” of stalling under false promises of reform.

As Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, my administration pursued accountability for the notorious Erastyle case, proving that, with political will and a functional judicial system, justice is achievable. This judgment should stand as a deterrent for those who think they can loot the public purse with impunity.

I commend my former municipal manager, Mr. Johan Mettler and his dedicated colleague, Ms. De Scande, whose unwavering professionalism and dedication to their fiduciary duty made this outcome possible. Their fearless pursuit of justice, even when met with enormous resistance, sets a standard that public servants across the country should aspire to. They deserve our recognition and commendation for their exemplary service. 

The question now is whether the new government will demonstrate the necessary political will to genuinely address corruption and recoup stolen funds or continue with superficial gestures. With the current fiscal pressures, it is more urgent than ever for the government to enforce this judgement and ensure corrupt officials, politicians, and businesses pay back the funds they’ve  misappropriated.

To the “GNU” government: South Africans are watching, and we expect nothing less than tangible action in the fight against corruption.

Issued by ActionSA Parliamentary Leader Athol Trollip