Govt must walk the talk

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MLIBO Qoboshiyane, I only have this to say to you, how can we believe you ("Government determined to root out corruption", October 30)? There is massive fraud and corruption going on right under your nose and nothing is being done about it.

You may now and again prosecute some small fry public servants for small amounts to give the impression to the public that you are doing something, but the big fish that have their snouts firmly in the feeding trough are getting away with it. We are talking about billions of taxpayers' money that is being abused.

Taxpayers' money does not belong to the government. It is the government's responsibility to ensure our taxes are protected and wisely spent for the upliftment of the people of South Africa and to ensure we have effective and efficient services.

It is not a private bank account that government officials can dip into whenever they feel the need.

Mr Qoboshiyane, please tell the people of the Eastern Cape what action has been brought against Stone Sizani's wife, Pankie ("Mrs Sizani in ghost teacher scandal", The Herald, March 9 last year). Nothing further has been reported and Mr Sizani is now an MP in national government.

Also please tell us why more than R200-million has been spent on President Jacob Zuma's private residence at Nkandla and why the truth regarding the arms deal has not come out.

You cannot pay lip service to your fight against corruption. The voting and tax-paying public must see tangible action and results.

Don't keep on using apartheid as the bogeyman for all the problems. You have had two decades of rich income from the machine that was created by colonialism.

Has this income been invested wisely and allowed the people of the country to prosper? I think not! Just look at one critical aspect, upliftment through quality education, has failed the very people you are supposed to be ensuring would have a better life.

Stop the excuses and ensure everyone in government employ and our public servants take ownership and responsibility for their actions and start delivering. No more propaganda, let's see and experience some real action.

South Africa is a great country with wonderful people who can truly achieve greatness. Let's see the people in government doing their bit to achieve this greatness.