LETTER: Big state, big corruption
Bloated government encourages people to corrupt officials to get tenders and other benefits
The news that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is “probing R13.3bn in contracts relating to the procurement of Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)” reinforces the daily reality of corruption in SA (“SIU calls for legislative reform to protect state from tender corruption (https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2021-02-05-siu-calls-for-legislative-reform-to-protect-state-from-tender-corruption/)”, February 5). That corruption took place even in the midst of a global pandemic should teach us a crucial lesson as to just how big government has grown — and that it is high time for the country to reform the oversized role the state plays in our lives.
The more responsibility the state takes on — to provide for all manner of positive rights, goods and services — the greater the incentive is for individuals and businesses to try and gain the necessary political connections that their services will be favoured. The stakes attached to government influence and contracts ...
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