Gordhan fed up with corruption

Cape Town - Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan called on all South Africans to work together to fight corruption as he delivered his first Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on Tuesday.

He said the state could only achieve its aims of creating jobs, reducing crime and providing better services if politicians of all parties and the public stood firm against graft.

"For us to succeed we need a shared compact, across all divides of this House, and across the nation: We will not tolerate corruption.

"We will act forcefully against wastage. We will insist on value for the money for the billions that we spend.

"We will clean up the procurement system and take strong action against those who feed selfishly off the state."

Gordhan said the struggle for liberation in South Africa was accompanied by a set of values and culture which permeated the movement.

These included respect for all, regardless of race or gender, a deep understanding that leaders served communities, that they received their power from ordinary people and that the privilege of serving one's community should never be abused.

"We are fighting a new struggle now... We must build a different culture in this country and that culture should be one of service to people."

Of particular concern was the number of government tenders, in all three spheres of government, that were tainted by corruption. "Corrupt officials stand on one side, while on the other stand corrupt business people.

"A culture of gifts, wining and dining, and all manner of enticement has become pervasive.

"We must act decisively against such a tendency, and we must do so together," Gordhan said.

- Sapa