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KING’S DIRECTIVE: PM LAUNCHES TASK TEAM TO FIGHT CORRUPTION

13/02/2024 16:25:00 Siboniso Nkambule

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MBABANE - Following His Majesty King Mswati III’s directive on tackling corruption in the country, corruption-related cases will now be dealt with.

This means that the cases will be fully investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), taken to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and if ripe, find their way to court. This follows the launch of a tripartite committee, the Anti-corruption Task Team, to enhance the fight against corruption. The task team, which was launched by the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, comprises of the DPP, the national commissioner of police (NATCOM) and the commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The DPP’s Office is currently held by the Acting DPP, Lomvula Hlophe, while the NATCOM’s Office is occupied by Lydia Dlamini. Maphevu Mkhatshwa is holding the fort at the ACC Commissioner’s Office.

Report

The task team will report to the PM and will work with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane. The PM said corruption was a worldwide problem that had become endemic in the country. The launch follows a number of complaints by the nation during Sibaya last year, whereby they voiced their frustrations on people getting away with corrupt acts. They suggested that those found responsible for any corrupt practices should be held accountable. His Majesty King Mswati III also raised his concerns about corruption, which he said stood in the way of progress in the nation’s plans, programmes and projects for development. He was speaking during the official opening of the 12th Parliament on Friday last week

His Majesty said emaSwati made their voices heard during Sibaya, expressing frustration with the lack of tangible progress in addressing this issue. The King encouraged government to prioritise taking action on this matter and said it was high time they witnessed judgments passed on individuals involved in corruption, holding them accountable for their actions. Speaking during the launch of the task team, the PM said corruption significantly impacted democracy and the rule of law. “When power is utilised for personal gain, the political system loses credibility and justice cannot prevail. Corruption undermines our progress as a nation and impacts negatively on service delivery, human and socio-economic development, job creation and public trust in government, as well as investor confidence and the objectives and goals of the new government given to us at Sibaya and waters down investment,” the PM said.

He said the launch of the task team was a positive step towards promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in line with the policy direction that was so clearly articulated by His Majesty during the official opening of Parliament. In the same vein, the PM said government had committed itself to having zero tolerance for corruption in all sectors of society.

Commitment

He said the team reflected on government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring the efficient use of public resources for the betterment of society. “The task team will be responsible for investigating corruption allegations, prosecuting cases, implementing preventive measures and strengthening legal frameworks to address corruption effectively. The team will immediately deal with corruption cases that have been reported and ensure that the offenders are brought to book with immediate effect just as it was commanded by the King in his address to Parliament. Cases must be dealt with to finality and not be dropped mid-process,” he said. Adding, the PM highlighted that corruption was caused by greed for money, poverty, lack of values and ethics, high level of bureaucracy and inefficient administrative structures, which must also be dealt with concurrently. He stated that the DPP was expected to prioritise corruption cases henceforth.

Dlamini urged the nation to work with the team as they fought this scourge. Furthermore, he said they had all the confidence in the team, that they would deliver. Dlamini said they were looking forward to having those responsible for corruption held accountable. He also challenged the nation to come together and fight against corruption. “Fighting corruption should not be rhetoric, but must be demonstrated by action and evidence that corrupt individuals are brought to book and are dealt with according to the law. Speaking about corruption and doing nothing is worse than corruption itself as it exacerbates it because those who are corrupt gain confidence that nothing will be done to them. “Hence, we are tasking this team to act decisively on corruption. We look forward to bobhabuli kutsi babanjwe lihhuka, baye ebhodweni,” Dlamini said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane challenged the team to work diligently in fighting corruption. He urged the nation to report about any corruption practices, as this was rife in the country. He thanked the PM for setting up the team as mandated by His Majesty to fight corruption in the country.