ANC MP Ben Turok's insightful letter ("Led into temptation", March 12) that tries to explain the Yengeni phenomenon of public representatives enriching themselves at taxpayers' expense and lying to parliament merits a response.

I confess to having some sympathy for the awkward position Professor Turok finds himself in, that of being condemned by association.

Like me, he is obviously revolted by the Yengeni debacle and the shocking way the ANC leadership tried to turn a blind eye to Yengeni's deceit and protect a liar and a cheat.

Prof Turok is clearly a man of integrity and I respect his views and value his contribution to our parliamentary debate. Within the ANC caucus there are other fine men and women.

However, his most telling comment is the line, "Our tradition is to leave such matters to be dealt with by the leading structures, as there are clear lines of reporting and resolution". What worries me is what happens when ANC leaders don't lead and take swift action against wrongdoers?

Long before the Yengeni debacle, ANC ministers were hoisting aloft convicted fraudster and thief Allan Boesak and proclaiming his innocence.

Whinnie Madikizela-Mandela remains unrepentant and unpunished for failing to attend parliament while still drawing her MP's salary.

For two years after his suspension from parliament, Yengeni continued to draw a monthly salary.

Instead of demanding the money be repaid, the ANC allowed him to attend the opening of parliament - the day after he had admitted he had lied to the house.

No wonder Professor Turok and his ANC colleagues are uncomfortable. Their sense of outrage, frustration and helplessness must be severe.

The unfortunate truth is that the ANC leadership has consistently shown itself unwilling or unable to take the necessary action against errant members, particularly those holding high office.

Professor Turok's attempt to pass this off as extraordinary pressure on previously disadvantaged individuals is unworthy of him and, frankly, racist and paternalistic.

Yes, we should be generous in judging others, not because we were less disadvantaged but because we are all human. Greed and deceit can never be condoned, certainly not by those in whom the voters have placed their trust.

In ducking the Yengeni issue and not taking action, the ANC leadership failed Professor Turok and his colleagues. On every other issue, from Aids to Zimbabwe, it continues to fail us. It has let us all down.

With acknowledgements to Mark Lowe MP (DA) and Cape Argus.