State corruption needs stronger condemnation

Prof ASLAM FATAAR

CORRUPTION has reached pandemic proportions. Like an incurable virus, corruption has infected government procurement processes, killing our dreams and desires of a better life.

The latest swathe of COVID-19 r elated governmental corruption has reached a state of venality, d ying and death.

The government’s coffers are being ransacked by marauding predators, leading to mayhem and destruction.

COVID-19-related tender corruption robs an already insipid government response to the pandemic of much-needed resources for securing safe and effective health and welfare responses.

This has led to inflated prices for basic health necessities and the supply of mediocre health equipment and services. Hospitals have fallen into disrepair, with bloodstained, dirty hospital wards in the E astern Cape, and testing kits dumped in the rivers of Gauteng.

In the meantime, nine million schoolchildren are foregoing an essential meal because of the government’s inability or unwillingness to implement the school nutrition programme during the pandemic.