THE ANC in Eastern Cape has called for tough action against people implicated in the Public Protector’s report on government’s expenditure on the funeral of the late former president, Nelson Mandela.
Madiba died on 5 December 2013 and his funeral was held at his rural home, Qunu outside Mthatha.
People during the memorial service of Nelson Mandela at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi has called on Premier Phumulo Masualle and all relevant government agencies, such as the Hawks and National Prosecuting Authority, to take action on the findings by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
Mkhwebane found that R300 million of public funds was irregularly and negligently spent during former president Mandela’s funeral.
On Monday the public protector said an investigation had unearthed evidence of massive inflation of prices, misappropriation of funds, poor planning and disregard for supply chain regulations during the memorial and funeral of Madiba.
The R300 million was apparently misspent by the Eastern Cape provincial government, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Buffalo City Municipality, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.
Ngcukayitobi said: “This report is exceptionally significant for our growing democracy, because it will hopefully shed some light on the level of influence, corruption and meddling by some sections of business in our government’s affairs.”
