Conflict of interest

[Dave A]

In the midst of the scandal on whether or not certain ministers have a vested interest in the Gautrain project, this little gem from COSATU:

Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has expressed outrage at the claims which, it said, reinforced the belief that there is a culture of self-enrichment among a growing number of ANC and government leaders.

It called on public representatives to choose between public service and a business career.

"You cannot be a representative of the people at the same time as being a capitalist - these roles are inherently contradictory," said Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven.
full story from IOL here

[Dave A]

To add a litte irony to recent statements, when it comes ministerial interest in the Gautrain project it looks like COSATU and the DA are on the same side.

[duncan drennan]

...it looks like COSATU and the DA are on the same side.

[Dave A]

Leon decries ANC political connectivity

Political connectivity with the African National Congress (ANC) appears to be ruling the roost regarding government deals and contracts, official opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon argued on Friday.

Writing in his weekly newsletter, the DA leader also argued that the potential damage that corruption could do to South Africa's international standing was evidenced in a survey by foreign investors, which "should be sending shock waves through the halls of power".

"The survey is a joint report by the British, Italian, Swedish and German chambers of commerce in this country, representing multinationals with a combined turnover of more than R100-billion," noted Leon.

The survey found that member companies were contemplating massive disinvestments from South Africa owing to high crime levels and corruption.

Despite confidence in the economy and enjoying favourable returns, the companies cited had registered strong reactions to perceived incompetence and cronyism, reported the DA leader.

"The figures the survey carries are disturbing: a sizeable majority of respondents were 'very pessimistic' about crime (69%), corruption (77%) and incompetence in the public service (73%), and are consequently reconsidering billions of rands worth of investment."

Leon noted that a group of ANC-aligned politicians-cum-businessmen -- their numbers include activist Mkhuseli Jack; Andrew Jordaan, brother of South Africa's 2010 chief executive officer Danny Jordaan; and former deputy president Jacob Zuma's niece Yvonne -- were bidding for a sizeable stake in the R1,5-billion construction of the projected 2010 World Cup stadium in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality.

"This is an example of the patronage brigade at work. What those individuals have done, or will do, to enhance the building project is a moot point; what they do have, of course, and perhaps the only thing they give, is political connectivity -- the only basis on which they can be considered seriously as members of such a consortium.
full story from M&G here