This archive report was first published on 11 August 2020.
On August 11, 2020, Archbishop Desmond Tutu sounded the alarm on the dangers of unchecked corruption in South Africa.
Speaking out against allegations of irregularities in the country's Covid-19 tender processes, Tutu warned that the country's integrity and post-pandemic economic landscape were under threat.
He specifically highlighted allegations involving Gauteng provincial health official Bandile Masuku and the two sons of African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Ace Magashule.
According to Tutu, each new allegation widens the trust deficit between the state and the people, making it increasingly difficult to rebuild the economy and reduce systemic inequality.
He also stressed the need for a whole-of-society approach to tackle corruption, appealing to the government to hold those within its ranks accountable.
Responding to growing public pressure, President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier appointed a committee to probe allegations of corruption associated with the country's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
