President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised that there will be real-time audits done of all state funds allocated to the victims of the recent floods.

Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, 26 April, Ramaphosa said it’s disappointing that the public debate in the immediate aftermath of the disaster was that government officials would loot the disaster relief funds. “It is a great source of shame that when this disaster struck, the most burning public debate was around fears that the resources allocated to respond to this disaster would be misappropriated or wasted.”

Ramaphosa assured Members of Parliament that they will not tolerate corruption: “Working together with National Treasury, the Auditor-General will conduct real-time audits on the emergency flood relief funds. This will provide independent assurance on whether public funds have been appropriately accounted for and were used for their intended purpose.”

“These audits aim to prevent, detect and report on the findings to ensure an immediate response to prevent leakage, potential fraud, and wastage.”

Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Joint Sitting of Parliament on widespread flooding, Good Hope Chambers, Cape Town https://t.co/5YJVCOj0MG https://t.co/wukgh1ZuqI

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 26, 2022

While opposition parties criticized Ramaphosa and the national government’s response to the tragedy, the President insists at this time of mourning; government is doing all it can to assist flood victims.