Image Source: Action SA
Local – Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem raised concern over the lack of arrests in the Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal, despite the SIU identifying suspects and seizing assets.
The scandal, which exposed the looting of public healthcare funds, reignited outrage over the country’s growing culture of impunity and weak response to corruption.
Bloem said the forum was deeply concerned that the investigations had not led to prosecutions. He argued that asset seizures alone were not enough to restore public trust or deter wrongdoing.
“If they take the assets of a person, surely they must have a case against this person. Why are they not arresting these people? Why are they only taking their assets?” he said, warning that without arrests, corruption would continue to flourish.
He criticised what he described as symbolic efforts by authorities to create the illusion of progress. Bloem said these actions misled the public and failed to deliver real justice.
“It looks as if it is just a show of media hype to show the people they are working, but in fact, they are not doing their work. The criminal justice system is not doing its job.”
The activist explained that the forum had repeatedly contacted the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) to demand justice. He said the unit’s silence raised serious doubts about its commitment to fighting corruption.
“They are not even responding to our call that these people must be arrested. It is very disappointing. It is very concerning that these people are treating the citizens of this country in this way.”
Bloem emphasised that the scandal was not just about money but human lives. He pointed to the murder of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, who exposed corruption at the hospital, as proof of the deadly consequences of inaction.
“We have lost lives in this process. We cannot take this thing lightly.”
Criticism of the President’s Inaction
Bloem’s criticism extended to President Cyril Ramaphosa, whom he accused of failing to act on the Zondo Commission’s recommendations. He said the president bore full responsibility for the ongoing collapse of accountability.
“The president of this country is to be blamed. He must take full responsibility for what we see happening in this country.”
He argued that Ramaphosa’s alleged compromises had weakened the fight against corruption and emboldened officials who acted without fear.
“If he were a man who was really serious in tackling this corruption, it could have stopped, but he himself is compromised.”
Bloem said South Africans could no longer rely on the state to reform itself. He urged citizens to unite and take a stand.
“We must rise. We must not wait for anyone to come and rescue us… The blood of our people who have died for this freedom will not be in vain.”
