Zikalala: Zero tolerance for misappropriation of public funds
Premier Sihle Zikalala is promising transparency in the handling of the public funds earmarked for relief following last week's floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zikalala told the legislature on Wednesday that measures have been put in place to safeguard the funds.
President Cyril Ramaphosa last week announced that R1 billion would be set aside to aid relief and recovery efforts.
Many South Africans have expressed concern there might be a repeat of the theft and misappropriation of Covid-19 funds.
"We agree with South Africans that there must be no tolerance for misappropriation of public funds. It is because of that reason that we have employed all measures to ensure transparency and accountability in this regard," said Zikalala.
"We have also been in touch with the Office of the Public Protector, the Human Rights Commission that they are going to ensure proactive assessments and monitoring to ensure that all funds meant for this intervention and not abused."
Zikalala said the Auditor-General will also be involved.
"We can also indicate that the office of the AG will work closely with all departments to ensure that the resources are utilised effectively.
"The National Prosecuting Authority, South African Revenue Service and the Hawks have been strengthened to investigate and prosecute the crime of corruption."
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