Vusi Ndlovu

Vusi Ndlovu

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has accused former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa of covering up for corrupt officials in his government.

Shilowa, who quit the premiership and resigned from the ANC last month, said in his departure speech that corruption should be tackled seriously.

He was quoted as saying: "Corruption is a cancer which, if not tackled seriously, will not only erode the gains of our democracy but will destroy it."

Shilowa also stressed that there was a need to "focus on weeding out corrupt individuals wherever they may be found, regardless of social standing".

But the DA's Jack Bloom yesterday said Shilowa had not acted against corrupt officials in his government when he was in charge.

He cited the case of road, transport and public works MEC Ignatius Jacobs, who failed to act against Sibusiso Buthelezi, an official in his department accused of issuing unlawful and irregular instructions regarding tenders.

Bloom said senior managers were "soliciting favours from contractors".

Gauteng government spokesman Simon Zwane said Bloom's accusations were untrue.

He said the issues raised by Bloom were dealt with after proper investigations.