Hon Speaker, the IFP applauds the recent excellent work of the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA, and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development regarding the recent arrest of prominent civil servants and businessmen in KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas.
The seizure of assets while the matter is still being investigated and has yet to come before the courts is most commendable and is a step in the right direction in rooting out corruption and recouping losses suffered by the state.
Millions of rands have allegedly been embezzled. It has further been reported that one Mr Sipho Shabalala, the former head of Treasury KwaZulu- Natal and CEO of Ithala Development Finance Corporation, directed a sizeable donation of R1 million to Durban advocate Sandile Kuboni, money apparently intended for ANC coffers.
The IFP hopes that these arrests send a clear signal to any would-be perpetrators or fraudsters that their time in the sun is at an end. The Hawks, the NPA, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and, in fact, the entire country are now watching you. Thank you. [Applause.]