Amnesty for graft is absurd

There is a dangerously preposterous idea that is being whispered in the political and corruption circles: amnesty for corruption accused.

- Sydney Majoko

It would allow those that have benefited from corruption to declare what they have done and they would then be exempt from being charged for their crimes.

A sort of corruption truth and reconciliation process. The reasons put forward for this: corruption is far too entrenched in the South African political landscape and so widespread that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) does not have the resources to go after those who have been identified as corrupt.

This is absurd and would be giving a free get-out-of-jail card to those who have selfishly held back this country's progress over the past three decades.

There are one or two cases that have been hailed as successes of such a process internationally, with Hong Kong being the case in point.

But the case for corruption amnesty in South Africa is based on a shaky premise.