EDITORIAL: Shuffling corruption suspects is not enough

It is not helpful at all when corruption deals a devastating blow to government's infrequent attempts to advance the nation's economy.

Because of corruption, our nation is in a situation where unethical conduct frequently outweighs our small gains.

The situation at the ministry of mines and energy comes to mind in this regard. Although there are some encouraging signs, such as the reporting of a former official to the ACC and the change of leadership for the position of mining commissioner, more drastic measures are needed in this case.

Removing Erasmus Shivolo from that position implies that there was actual or strongly perceived unethical behaviour that warranted more than just a shuffling of cards.

If he did nothing wrong – amid a barrage of corruption allegations – why was he removed from his position?

The opposite is also true. If there’s a strong sense, or even evidence of wrongdoing, to the extent that he had to be removed from that critical position, why is he not suspended and placed under formal investigation to clear or indict him?

Where corruption is suspected, we must act not only swiftly but boldly too.

Tom Alweendo did not do that. Shifting a perceived hyena from one corner of the goat kraal to the other does not guarantee the safety of the goats.

Tom acted swiftly but not boldly – so we remain trapped in this vicious cycle of keeping old wine in new bottles.