Mr Speaker, hon members, perceptions are a reality and there's only one way to correct them; that's by taking steps to ensure that the basis of such perceptions is corrected. Cabinet must lead by example and I've said that the inter-ministerial committee that will focus on anticorruption measures has been established.
I've also tried to explain, at length, how Sars conducts lifestyle audits, because it's a term that is in vogue now. However, if the mechanisms to conduct such lifestyle audits are not in place, we can create other difficulties, and public representatives are already subjected to all those measures.
Where we are aware, or if a member of the public is aware of an individual or group of individuals with ill-gotten wealth, the measures are there, the agencies are there, there's even an Asset Forfeiture Unit that can seize or impound such ill-gotten wealth.
The point I'm making is that the measures are in place. What is required is the resolve to implement them and to act in a concerted manner that would send the right message. If anyone, and it shouldn't matter whether that person comes from this or that party, is found to have stepped on the wrong side of procedures, the law must take its course. They should be brought to book, and I don't see why we should not follow that route to deal with such problems. Thank you. [Applause.]
Position regarding the composition, mandate, focus and action plan of the Anti-Corruption Inter-Ministerial Committee
4. Ms S C N Sithole (ANC) asked the Deputy President:
What (a) is the (i) composition, (ii) mandate and (iii) focus of the Anti-Corruption Inter-Ministerial Committee that was announced by Cabinet in November 2009, (b) action plan has been identified by the committee and (c) will be its relationship with law-enforcement agencies? NO383E