More convictions will send the message

Mmegi Editor | Monday November 7, 2022 06:00

Masisi has now been at the wheel for four years now, but without too much success in his fight against corruption.

While government has pursued top officials in the fight against corruption, the public has waited with bated breath to see whether one of the key figures they went after would be successfully prosecuted.

But the results have not been forthcoming, with endless prosecution attempts against former top civil servants.

However, on Monday the High Court ruled in favour of the State in the corruption and money laundering case against former Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter Morupisi.

This is a milestone achievement for Masisi’s presidency as they have finally gotten that elusive victory.

The win could go a long way in his quest to see corruption uprooted from the system.

However, it is too early to say Masisi is finally achieving his target to rid corruption. This could only be a nip within the bigger pie. More needs to be done if the presidency wants to leave with a legacy.

But could it be the turning point in his desire to end corruption in the country?

There are those who believe corruption has even soared during his presidency. People believe that the President must look from within if he wants to succeed in his pet project.

This is so because they believe corruption is taking place right in his room, with people within his inner circle allegedly getting tenders on his name. Just one victory in four years cannot be enough especially when government is losing millions to corruption every day. The President himself has also been accused of corruption.

These allegations although unproven, overshadow his conviction and will to deal with corruption thoroughly.

Masisi’s government has passed a law that requires all political leaders, all public servants and those in the Judiciary to declare their assets and liabilities and many such important pieces of legislation to tighten the loose ends.

This is commendable on its own. But to what extent will it aid in curbing corruption if there is no will from the highest office in the land.

As it is, Morupisi’s conviction can only serve as a step in the right direction and must be applauded. However, is it enough? Is Masisi really winning the war? The answer is NO! There is still a long way to go.

Today's thought

“If corruption is a disease, transparency is part of its treatment”

– Koffi Annan- Former UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate