COSATU statement on Jackie Selebi
The Congress of South African Trade Unions has noted the passing today, 23 January 2015, of the former National Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi.
He will be remembered for two very different parts he played in the history of South Africa.
Firstly he played a major role as an inspirational freedom fighter, shaping the history of our country, and willing to put his life on the line in our liberation struggle. He was elected leader of the ANC Youth League in 1987 while in exile in Zambia, and served on the party's national executive committee from that year.
He was an MP in the first post-1994 Parliament, served as ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, and as a permanent representative to the UN between 1995 and 1998, where he was greatly respected as a worthy flag-bearer of our newly liberated democracy.
Between 1998 and 1999 he was Director General in the Department of Foreign Affairs, where again he was held in the highest esteem for his contribution to the struggle for freedom and democracy around the world. He was his appointed as National Police Commissioner in 2000 and as president of Interpol in 2004.
We must not allow these positive contributions - as a hero in the struggle for our freedom - to be forgotten.
Later however he undid all the good work he had done when he was found guilty of accepting bribes from disreputable criminals, which, as COSATU said at the time of his conviction was "absolutely outrageous, embarrassing and shameful from a comrade appointed to enforce the law and protect South Africa citizens from crime".
"The fifteen year prison sentence," we said "is the minimum that could have been imposed for such a serious offence. Given Selebi's position as an enforcer of the law, the Judge had no alternative but to impose a long custodial sentence, so as to send out a powerful warning - that no-one is above the law, whatever their past record in the liberation struggle, or however high their position in the state."
His passing should remind us of the need to re-establish the values of our movement - integrity, honesty and selflessness - and reject the view that it is acceptable to use public office to line your own pockets, especially from the very criminals you are supposed to be putting behind bars.
Irrespective of your struggle credentials or positions you may occupy in government or party, there must be consequences for corruption, and COSATU will be campaigning more strongly than ever for tough action against all those involved in corruption, including those implicated in Selebi's case who are still at liberty. We insist that those who give bribes are just as guilty as those who receive them.
Selebi's story should also serve as a lesson to public office bearers and officials that they have a responsibility to set the highest example in the fight against corruption and to restore honest governance.
COSATU sends its condolences and sympathy to his wife, family and friends and to his comrades in the ANC.
Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, January 23 2015
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