Publication: Cape Times
Issued:
Date: 2007-10-22
Reporter: Terry CrawfordBrowne
| Publication |
Cape Times
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| Date |
2007-10-22
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|
Reporter |
Terry Crawford-Browne |
|
Web Link
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www.capetimes.co.za |
President Thabo Mbeki richly deserves the prospect that the arms deal has come
back to haunt him (October 19).
Since 1995 he has repeatedly tried to block
investigation of the scandal that defines his presidency
The Cape Times reported "that even Mbeki himself might have some questions to
answer".
The British government admits that bribes were paid
to secure the BAE warplane contracts with South Africa, but pleads that the
estimated R1.6 billion was "within acceptable limits".
Thyssens Krupp likewise admits that it paid bribes to
secure the warship contracts *1, but pleads that it wasn't then illegal
in Germany to bribe foreigners.
The arms deal represents nothing less than the betrayal by the ANC of the
struggle against apartheid.
Corruption is theft from the poor. *1
The warplane and warship contracts can still be cancelled.
In trying unsuccessfully to squelch the arms deal scandal, Mbeki has turned
Parliament, the Chapter nine institutions and the judicial system into rubber
stamps. He must make a meaningful apology to South Africans for his destruction
of the constitutional checks and balances of our hard-won democracy. The
alternative remains impeachment, and removal from office.
What a comedown for a man who came to office hailed as "Mr Delivery".
Terry Crawford-Browne
Milnerton
With acknowledgements to Terry Crawford-Browne and Cape Times.
*1 While Ferrostaal likewise admits that it paid bribes to
secure the submarine contracts.
*2 Actually, while the poor have rights, every citizen has
rights. The People have rights. The nation has rights.
Corruption goes far further than just affecting the rights of the poor.
Systemic corruption on the scale of the Arms Deal and with the collaboration of
foreigners is more akin to treason than larceny,
however grand *1.
*3 e.g over 500 kZAR per annum until ADS starts paying
dividends *4 *5 *6.
*4 Stick them inside, all of them *5.
*5 If Thabo is included, stick him inside as well *6.
*6 In the RSA, the profit of grand larceny is 15 years
incarceration, minimum *7.
*7 All judges, they said so.