Corrupt still in pound seats

HOW can the new intake of councillors, who will be elected on March 1, take President Thabo Mbeki's tough words on corruption seriously when at least two convicted Travelgate fraudsters have been given a free ticket to new public-funded positions?

HOW can the new intake of councillors, who will be elected on March 1, take President Thabo Mbeki's tough words on corruption seriously when at least two convicted Travelgate fraudsters have been given a free ticket to new public-funded positions?

After a series of scathing attacks on the culture of enrichment that has permeated local government, the African National Congress has demonstrated utter contempt for the President's message by putting disgraced MP Ruth Ntshungulana-Bhengu at the top of the proportional representation list for the Ugu Municipality, which includes Port Shepstone. Given the ANC's commitment to gender equity, Ntshungulana-Bhengu could be in line to become mayor of the district, responsible for its management of public funds. Pamela Nana Mnandi, another MP, has been given an electable 17th place on the ANC list for the Umgungundlovu District Municipality.

Though their crimes of defrauding Parliament and the people, while holding elected positions of public trust, were extremely serious, it would be wrong to say they should be left to starve. But we have been unable to find any record of either having apologised for their actions. If the ANC wants to give them a second chance, it should not be at the taxpayer's expense. The party should find them jobs within its own administration. There must be no place in government, at any level, for people who steal public funds for their own purposes.