August 12 2004

Some time ago the Sunday Times reported on Ministers exchanging their travel vouchers for the rental of fancy cars, flights for family and friends and cash. Government denied this but the Scorpions were already busy with a full investigation.

Weeks later and the whole nation knows about this scam. Certain travel operators have already appeared in court and the Scorpions released the suspect's names to their individual parties. Only the DP (Democratic Party) released the party member's name that's under investigation. Only one compared to the ANC's 19 and the NNP's 3.

This investigation involves an estimated R16-million in taxpayers money. Of course these guys claim ignorance as far as procedures are concerned even though it clearly states (on the official voucher) "Presented by the Member personally for issuing of an air ticket". Do we deduct from this that these guys can't read? Craig Morkel, the MP whose name the DA released is paying off his debt - all R33 thousand of it. The DA decided to release his name in the interest of "openness", which is what government claims they do. "Transparency" is an ANC buzzword after all. Legal issues and all does not help the ANC government though. The Star newspaper reported on some of the people who abused this privilege.

ANC MP Mnyamezeli Booi claims he was informed that parliament would pay back car rental fees. Parliament was billed for his family's holiday.

Patrick Chauke of National Assembly fame claimed hundreds of thousands for unauthorised travel and hotel stays. He owes Business and Executive Travel about a R100 thousand for unpaid travel costs.

Sophia Maine claims that she was told by her travel agency that she could claim more than R200 thousand in car hire and hotel stays. Not so.

Bathabile Dlamini owes more than R330 thousand worth of illegal travel. Blame the travel agency again! And she's the ANC Women's League secretary general on top of being a former ANC MP.

Jonathan Doneley Arendse understood that he could claim for road journeys. His car hire bill also exceeds R200 thousand.

The Star reports that between 15 and 20 MP's have already made arrangements to pay the money back. What gets me though is that some parties (re. the DP) has come out and stated that if their Craig Morkel is found guilty of trying to defraud "the people" and parliament, he will be fired. Not the ANC nor the NNP is prepared to commit themselves to justice. Tony Yengeni took an extended leave during the investigations into his part in the arms deal, but he is still actively with the party.

Talk about the gravy train!

Another scam to hit Home Affairs is the issuing of marriage certificates to foreigners. Seems some women living in remote areas have been the target of this scam in order for the foreigner to obtain permanent residence. And all this without the knowledge of the poor woman. Government is now busy with an educational program urging the people to check on their marital status with the relevant authorities. Inside job? How else!