Phosa calls for change over perception SA is run by 'criminal elements'

Former ANC treasurer-general Dr Mathews Phosa has warned that there is a growing perception that South Africa is being run by criminal elements while calling for urgent leadership change at the top.

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Dr Mathews Phosa says that SA is in need of new leadership.

(Gallo Images)

Speaking at the University of the Free State last Friday, Phosa said remarks made by a senior ANC leader had deepened concerns about the state of governance.

"When a member of the national executive... says that we are governed by gangsters, either by co-option or corruption, I am concerned," he said.

Phosa linked this to a series of developments, including attacks on whistleblowers and failures to act on corruption findings.

"When a provincial government official is murdered because she was brave enough to expose corruption... I am concerned," he said.

He added that findings by judges appointed to investigate corruption were being ignored.

"An esteemed judge is entrusted with a billion rand of taxpayers' money... and his findings are then largely ignored," he said.

Phosa said there were ongoing reports of mismanagement and failures in the justice system.

"Files disappear, and whistleblowers are victimised or killed," he said.