/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

It is disappointing and unsurprising to learn that Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, and her acting Director-General, Linton Mchunu, stand accused of deliberately bungling a R100 million transfer of funds. Funds which were meant for empowerment programmes for the survivors of gender-based violence and femicide.

This happened at the height of 16 Days of Activism with alarming rates of gender-based violent crimes and femicide in South Africa. This grave act of corruption and embezzlement seriously undermines the work that has been done and sends us even further off-track in our efforts to eliminating all forms of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

Corruption is criminal, immoral and the ultimate betrayal of public trust. It is even more damaging in times when South Africa is experiencing out-of-control violence with 969 women murdered in just three months. For the Minister, these funds may be just another paycheck but for millions of victims of GBVF, these funds are the difference between life and death.

We are calling on President Ramaphosa to show decisive leadership and fire Minister Lindiwe Zulu. Corruption must be declared as public enemy number one, and South Africans must take a zero-tolerance approach to any and all forms of corruption.

Further to this, we will write to the Public Protector to ensure that the Minister and all those who were unduly enriched by this scheme be brought to book. 

The consistent looting and theft of funds meant to address social issues under the ANC-led government has reached inexcusable heights. It was only a few weeks ago when the same department was embroiled in theft and fraud scandal when this Minister claimed she would barge into the offices of civil servants who defrauded the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) of the R350 social relief and distress grants and demand justice. Where is her sense of justice when she blatantly robbed millions of victims of the opportunity to receive much-needed assistance?

A culture of impunity has permeated public institutions. It is high time that Ministers and high-ranking officials know they are not above the law. Minister Lindiwe Zulu must be fired.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Senate, Angela Sobey