Fight against corruption
Last year, President Ramphosa said government would take decisive action against corruption and make a clear break with the era of state capture. The State Capture Commission headed by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo completed its work and submitted the final part of its report in June last year.
“As a country, we owe Chief Justice Zondo, the Commission staff and all those who provided testimony a huge debt of gratitude for their extraordinary public service.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 9 February 2023, Cape Town City Hall.
The recommendations of the commission are being implemented according to the plan that President Ramaphosa submitted to Parliament in October last year so that the systemic weaknesses identified by the commission are addressed and state capture is never allowed to occur again.
The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, consisting of people from across society, is in place to advise on suitable mechanisms to stem corruption, including an overhaul the institutional architecture for combatting corruption.
Protection for whistle-blowers
Government is working to capacitate the Witness Protection Unit and will introduce amendments to the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 (Act 26 of 2000) and Witness Protection Act, 1998 (Act 112 of 1998) to strengthen protection for whistle-blowers. Work is already underway to improve access to the witness protection programme for public servants that expose maladministration, corruption and unethical conduct.
Tightening procurement regulations
Government will finalise the draft Public Procurement Bill to address weaknesses identified by the State Capture Commission and improve efficiency, value for money and transparency.
The reinvigorated law-enforcement agencies are taking firm action against companies and individuals alleged to have been involved in state capture. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate, which was established in 2019, has taken 187 accused persons to court in 32 state capture and corruption cases.
Over R7 billion has so far been returned to the state from state capture cases. To date, R12.9 billion of funds and assets have been frozen. This year, the Investigating Directorate will be established as a permanent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority.
Related links
Source: State of the Nation Address Highlights [PDF]
