BUTHELEZI SUSPENSION - GAUTENG PREMIER MUST FIRE POLITICIANS TOO

I welcome the suspension of Mr Sibusiso Buthelezi, the Head of the Gauteng Transport and Public Works Department, but it must be followed up by holding accountable all those politicians who allowed him to get away with questionable tender procedures for so long.

His suspension follows the findings of a forensic report by the Resolve Group, as reported in today's Mail & Guardian (see article). I have already tabled a question in the Gauteng Legislature about this report, and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has to reply to me within ten days.

I have asked whether this report will be made public and whether a wider investigation will be made into any accomplices or facilitators of any wrongdoing uncovered in this report.

Buthelezi's main protector was former premier Paul Mashatile, who is now deputy arts and culture minister.

The Resolve Group report should be made public as soon as possible. Buthelezi did not act alone, so the probe should be widened to include any accomplices, including senior ANC politicians.

The people of Gauteng have suffered grievously from the Buthelezi's fishy dealings in both housing and other public works project, including the fiasco surrounding the delay in the building of the Jabulani Hospital in Soweto.

I suspect that Buthelezi will fight back and implicate many others in his activities. This is Mokonyane's opportunity to clear out Mashatile's whole "Alex Mafia". She must do so without fear or favour, even if her own close political allies are implicated.

Statement by Jack Bloom MPL, Democratic Alliance Gauteng Corruption Spokesman, July 17 2009

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