Response to the presentation by the Anti-Corruption Task team on the intended development of a National Anti-Corruption Strategy by Commissioner Ben Mthembu, Acting Chairperson Of The Public Service Commission, International Anti-Corruption Day at University Of South Africa
Programme Director, Prof Divya Singh, Vice Principal, Advisory and Assurance Services of Unisa
Mr Jeffrey Thamsanqa Radebe, MP, Minister in the Presidency: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation as well as the Chairperson of the National Planning Commission
Prof Mandla S. Makhanya, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Unisa
Ms. Zhuldyz Akisheva, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Representative for Southern Africa
Mr David Makhura, Premier of Gauteng Province
Commissioners of the Public Service Commission
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commisioners present
Mr Tim Steele, Senior Anti-Corruption Advisor for Eastern and Southern Africa,
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
For the past eleven years the Public Service Commission has been commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the University of South Africa. It has to date, been a successful partnership of a strong commitment against the ravages of corruption.
This year sees another milestone reached through the initiation of a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS). Such a strategy is of course consistent with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). A perusal of the pillars referred to in the presentation shows a concern with corruption, the need for transparency and integrity amongst others.
If one considers the Constitutional values and principles contained in section 195 of the Constitution, we see that public administration must be infused with, amongst others:
- A high standard of professional ethics;
- accountable public administration; and a
- fostering of transparency, providing the public with timely, accessible and accurate information.
All nine principles in section 195 form part of the mandate of the Public Service Commission (PSC). If practised, we will experience the kind of South Africa we all yearn to see and experience, such as:
- People’s needs being responded to, such as good hospitals, clinics and schools;
- Efficient and economic use of resources – so that tax-payers can see value for money deducted as tax from their hard earned income;
- Developing the under-developed, so that in the long run we can build a strong economy and eliminate joblessness; and
- Maximising our human potential, in tandem with a developmental agenda.
Given the intentions of the NACS to involve an “active citizenry”: and the promotion of transparency and integrity, the PSC is pleased to support this proposed initiative, provided it remains consistent to the Constitution and as far as public administration is concerned, promote values and strategies consistent with Section 195 of the Constitution.
This is the first time South Africa is attempting the formulation of a national strategy encompassing all sectors of society. In so doing we have to acknowledge that corruption is a problem which affects all of us.
Further, it is important that we also admit that all of us bear the responsibility for it:
- Government;
- Business
- Organised civil society and
- Ordinary citizens alike.
As such, we must learn to listen and engage with each other to be able to find a common purpose: that of dealing with the problem of corruption collectively and effectively. This can only be achieved if we engage honestly and with good purpose.
I wish all stakeholders in this enterprise well as they seek to make a reality of the goal stated in the National Development Plan (NDP); (see p 402):
“Our vision for 2030 is a South Africa which has zero tolerance for corruption, in which an empowered citizenry have the confidence and knowledge to hold public and private officials to account and in which leaders hold themselves to high ethical standards and act with integrity. This South Africa has a resilient anti-corruption system in which anti-corruption agencies have the resources, credibility and powers to investigate corruption and their investigations are acted upon”.
May this goal of the NDP become a nearer reality as you launch the Discussion Document for consultation in the coming months.
Future generations will judge us harshly if we do not do the right thing now to arrest corruption in all its manifestations.
The country depends on us, our children depend on us.
Together we can shape a better future for us all.
Let us hope that future starts here today.
