Crispian Olver

The Constitution guarantees that substantial sums of public money have to be funneled to municipalities by Parliament. This makes municipalities a target for looting and makes politics a direct route for 'ambitious' people to get access to wealth and resources. This book describes the difficulties of squeezing out corruption, after its absorption into the fabric of ANC structures and ANC fundraising. It is not clear that this is remotely possible - particularly in an economy unable to provide alternatives. The author is strong on explaining recent events and his role in trying to give corrupt public officials and representatives their comeuppance. His conclusion could be hopeful, but one is reminded of Sachs' "Awakenings", when the potency of a drug declined over time, returning patients to their former disease.… (meer)