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Premier gets tough on leaks and graft

AFTER the leaking of an investigation report in which multi-million rand contracts were irregularly awarded to undeserving companies, the Mpumalanga government has beefed up it security regarding confidential information.

AFTER the leaking of an investigation report in which multi-million rand contracts were irregularly awarded to undeserving companies, the Mpumalanga government has beefed up it security regarding confidential information.

Delivering his budget speech on Tuesday, Premier David Mabuza said his government would enhance its integrity by improving overall security on confidential government information.

"Of concern has been the continuous leaking of confidential government information," Mabuza said.

The premier's announcement comes on the back of several reports Sowetan has published over the past few weeks.

The reports, which reveal irregularities in awarding contracts, were kept under lock and key but were leaked to Sowetan nearly five months later.

The owner of two companies irregularly awarded multi-million rand contracts is Mabuza's ex-wife.

Mabuza said his office would now be responsible for the entire information security management of the provincial government.

"All employees will undergo primary vetting as part and parcel of security measures to enhance the integrity of the entire government administration," said Mabuza.

"We need to foster a culture of integrity, honesty and commitment to the service of the public.

"Accountability requires humility and commitment to the empowerment of citizens," he said.

"For the past 15 years we kept hoping that tomorrow will be better than yesterday but unacceptable work ethics continue," he said.

"What government is preaching is not what it is practising.

"Therefore, the office of the premier is going to ensure that a people-centred culture is inculcated."

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