Just say 'No' to corruption, says Thuli

04 February 2016 - 02:45 By Neo Goba and Kingdom Mabuza

Public protector Thuli Madonsela says the upcoming local government elections present an opportunity to public representatives to repent and start afresh. Madonsela, who was addressing delegates at a SA Local Government Association finance week summit in Gauteng yesterday, said residents' impatience was a result of unfulfilled promises."The municipal election is an opportunity to start afresh; it is a new lease of life. The elections present an opportunity to correct what was done wrong," she said.If there was no corrupt public, there would be no corruption in government departments, Madonsela said."Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain. You either abuse or participate in the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain."Over the years we have dealt with various cases of corruption. It takes a member of the public to interact with the state for corruption to take place."If we all say 'no' to corruption, or say 'it stops with me', there would be no corruption."According to the Institute of Internal Auditors, South Africa has lost R700-billion to corruption in the past 21 years.Madonsela noted progress had been made in the fight against corruption. The anti-corruption convention has been signed by 140 countries, adding the more blatant forms were no longer the norm."The future is hope-filled," she said. "The tide is turning against corruption."..

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