Nonprofit organisation Corruption Watch has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s R500-billion economic and social support package, however, it is urging government to implement measures to reduce opportunities for corruption during the fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Ramaphosa revealed the unprecedented R500-billion package as government’s response to stimulate economic recovery, which was hampered by the pandemic. He said the funding will be channelled into healthcare, vital municipal services and social relief.

Corruption Watch director David Lewis said while the stimulus packaged was welcomed, along with government’s transparency in updating the country on statistics and measures in place, there was evidence of mismanagement and corruption in the food aid response.

“The manner in which these programmes are implemented, including the Solidarity Fund, and in which distribution of food and resources is handled, seems to point to growing evidence of corruption and mismanagement. Corruption Watch urges government to put measures in place to mitigate and reduce opportunities for corruption during this time, and also to take swift action against those engaging in corrupt activities at the expense of the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Lewis.

He also called out reports of councillors abusing their positions and favouring their own constituencies.

Further, he pointed out that increased powers to law enforcement had proved to be open to abuse.

Lewis cited the reported violence displayed by the South African Police Services and the South African National Defence Force in enforcing the lockdown in some communities.

“While our current circumstances may call for these enhanced powers, this demands increased transparency, vigilance and accountability, particularly against the backdrop of the extremely high levels of corruption that have characterised South African public life for so long. In that time, we have gained considerable experience in identifying red flags for corruption and we will continue to serve the public in this way. It is government’s duty to ease our task by promoting maximum transparency and by acting against transgressors,” said Lewis.

Corruption Watch has produced freely accessible public education material to educate the public in identifying police corruption and abuse of power, and where to report this during the lockdown period.