The Public Servants Association (PSA) wants National Treasury to establish a multi-disciplinary team, including the Auditor-General’s office, business, civil society, and labour, to ensure that the R27-billion loan from the World Bank aimed at expanding South Africa's electricity transmission infrastructure, is safe from corruption.

The loan is also said to help unlock key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors, for inclusive economic growth and job creation.

The PSA said by preventing any stealing, the country would be saved from establishing costly commissions or proclamations for the Special Investigating Unit to investigate.

The PSA wants the funds to be ringfenced to improve energy security, enhance efficiency, and ensure competitiveness of freight transport services, as well as support the country’s transition towards a low carbon economy.

“Whilst this significant investment should play a crucial role in addressing the country's energy challenges and unlocking economic growth, government does not have a good record in respect of financial and project management. National Treasury has not covered itself in glory when it comes to oversight,” it said.

The PSA pointed to the looting of State resources, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Overpricing by service providers conspiring with politically connected persons seems to be the modus operandi for unduly benefiting from State coffers,” it argued.

The association said National Treasury must ensure that there was value for money, as many projects had collapsed when massive amounts were involved, with no consequence management and recovery of stolen money.

The PSA said Treasury must ensure the investment is used to transform the infrastructure landscape.

“The impact of energy and freight transport sector challenges is well documented and has become a barrier to economic development that has caused suffering to many. This money is intended to unlock the country’s stagnant economy. This investment should be aimed at opening employment opportunities, especially for the youth,” it stated.