Government, a breeding place for corruption

Pule was given a slap on the wrist with a 15-day suspension from parliamentary activities and a month’s salary fine after being found guilty of awarding a multi-million rand tender to her boyfriend, and using State money to fund her love life. The sentence was meant to be the highest for a Member of Parliament.

Unless the ANC recalls Pule, she will continue with her parliamentary duties and earn her mega-salary in no time. There has been no word from Chief Albert Luthuli House about her fate.

Barely a week later, fearless Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela found that the acquisition of IEC new offices at Riverside Office Park in Centurion by Tlakula had been grossly irregular.

Apart from neglect of government processes, there were allegations of close business relationship between Tlakula and Thaba Mufamadi, a partner in the company awarded the contract for the office space. Daggers have since been drawn against Tlakula, but the elections boss hit back by saying there was no reason to quit.

Last week, Agang SA leader Dr Mamphela Ramphele was ridiculed for challenging President Jacob Zuma to lead by example and disclose his personal wealth. Her statement could be translated to other matters.

The likes of Pule and Tlakula have a great role model in Zuma, who is known for ducking and diving from the law and any allegations levelled against him, specifically corruption allegations related to the arms deal.

Until Zuma leads by example, those around him have reasons to feel their jobs are safe and wrongdoings are coated with honey.

The result will be a government infested with corrupt officials.