Arrests of Provincial Housing Officials on Corruption Charges

13/03/2003

CAPE TOWN: Minister of Housing Brigitte Mabandla today welcomed the increase in the number of arrests of provincial housing officials suspected of involvement in fraudulent or other malpractices related to the administration of housing matters.

The arrests were a "clear sign that we as government are getting to grips with fraud and corruption in housing in those instances across the country where it is present," said the Minister. "We are getting rid of the bad apples in the system who tarnish the efforts and dedication of thousands of committed, hard working officials. We will not rest until all of those who rob the people in this way are behind bars."

Mabandla said she had "the fullest confidence in my Director-General and the team working under her." The fact that the head of the housing department in KwaZulu-Natal had been arrested might have led to some confusion, "but it is absolutely clear that the Housing Director-General is in charge of the national department of housing, and has not been the subject of any investigation or accusations. She continues in her job, where she is key to our campaign to root out corruption."

Minister Mabandla said she wished to put on record that there is only one Housing Director-General in South Africa. The heads of housing in the various provinces are all Deputy Directors-General. "I can assure the public and other stakeholders in the housing sector that the national Director-General has not been arrested. She is hard at work in the interests of housing the nation." 

In line with President Thabo Mbeki's emphasis on the need to uproot corruption in the public service, Mabandla said her department was going to intensify measures to fight corruption.

"The growing number of arrests provides the best confirmation that our anti-corruption drive is indeed bearing fruits," said Minister Mabandla. "Most of these arrests have been as a result of the investigations and information networks initiated by government. Our goal of unearthing as many cases of corruption through this drive as possible is rapidly yielding the desired results."

Minister Mabandla said her predecessor, Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele, and the Department had in 2001 appointed a task team to investigate cases of fraud, corruption, maladministration and mismanagement in the administration of the housing subsidy. The mandate of the task team was not only to uncover all forms of corruption and malpractice, but also to ensure that those suspected of malpractice are investigated, and if found guilty, the necessary steps be taken to prosecute them. The task team encouraged members of the public to come forward with information, which would help root out corruption.

Minister Mabandla said the clear message to all involved in criminal activities related to housing in South Africa "is that we will not tolerate corruption, fraud or maladministration. We will continue to act decisively against anyone found to be using their public office or to have abused a relationship of trust with a housing authority for unlawful personal gain."

Minister Mabandla stressed that she and the national department would "not tolerate abuse by officials who demand or accept bribes or other favours. Nor are we going to tolerate people from outside government who enrich themselves at the expense of the poor and homeless."

The provincial MECs for housing all support the anti-corruption drive, Minister Mabandla said. "They understand how these practices hurt the most vulnerable in our society, and fully understand that it is their duty too to stop them. Together we appeal to anyone with information about such practices to inform the authorities so that action can be taken against officials, developers, or others who are engaging in illegal activities."

Issued by Ministry of Housing