KZN Premier highlights crime and corruption as key challenges for South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli recently addressed pressing societal issues plaguing South Africa, emphasising the urgent need to tackle crime and corruption during the commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons in the Umdoni Local Municipality. Standing before community members, Ntuli articulated a vision for collaborative action to foster a safer and more transparent province.

“We must work together to fix our province. To fix those challenges that we’re faced with as a country,” Ntuli said. 

Using the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) as an example, Ntuli said that although the province has a GPU, the government is not only formed by the GPU, but also the opposition is part of this government. 

“They are part of the journey. They oppose constructively, and they share their alternative views on the ways in which we can do things better in the province. We are a government that is on a journey to fix this province,” Ntuli said. 

“We can commit that we are doing everything to work with the police, to work with Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. We are working with Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to fix our country, to fix our province.”

Ntuli identified two fundamental problems and challenges confronting the country.

“One is crime, two is corruption. If we can end crime and corruption in our country, the future of this country is certain,” Ntuli said. 

“No investors will come and invest in a country that is threatened by crime. No investors will come and invest in a country that has a problem of corruption.” 

Ntuli also highlighted that we must work together as whistleblowers to report corruption and crime. 

“As a government, we have a duty to protect whistleblowers. No whistleblower will be prosecuted for reporting corruption. All whistleblowers are protected because we need brave men and women who will stand for the truth,” Ntuli said. 

Ntuli’s comments resonate strongly amid the ongoing Madlanga Commission, established by President Ramaphosa. The commission investigates allegations of criminal syndicates infiltrating law enforcement and intelligence, including claims by Mkhwanazi that the police minister interfered in investigations and colluded with business people, and that a Gauteng task team uncovered a drug cartel involving politicians, law enforcement, and others. 

Chaired by acting deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission will probe various allegations. It will also examine the role of current or former senior officials who may have aided criminal activity, ignored intelligence, or benefited financially/politically, and investigate any complicity of National Executive members responsible for the criminal justice system.

Mkhwanazi, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo are among those who have testified. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za