WORKERS at the Government’s financial hub Vulupindi Haus yesterday expressed embarrassment and strong objection to the charge by Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Paul Tiensten that the building housed a 10% syndicate.
Public servants who were called at random and who answered their calls on condition of anonymity expressed surprise, concern and even anger at the manner in which the minister’s charge seemed to cover all public servants from the departments of Finance, Planning and Implementation and Treasury operating out of the building.
“It (the minister’s charge) is really embarrassing,” one female staffer said. “Some of us have never got involved in this kind of activity. The minister is branding us all and that is not fair.”
A senior male officer said: “Some of us tirelessly try to uphold the integrity, transparency and accountability of these offices. Many of us do not want to go out for lunch today out of fear of what people would think of us when we go out of the building.
“Most of us are not happy with what had been said. It is just a minority who may be involved in crooked deals. Most of us are a hard working lot.
“I have been working here for 12 years and in those 12 years I have never been involved in this kind of deals.”
Another said: “Even some of the consultants laughed at what the minister had said. He should single out specific people or groups or even sections which may be involved. We have three departments and to label us all as 10% scam artists is unacceptable.”
One woman said, “I do not understand. What is he (minister) referring to? Is it the big payouts to landowners or the small payments? He really should name people.”
Minister Tiensten told reporters on Tuesday that the so-called 10% syndicate comprised officers from the three departments.
“This building houses a syndicate ... everybody is getting a 10% to approve a cheque.”
The minister also announced that an investigation will also be carried out into payments totaling K57 million despite directives to stop payment.