to fight corruption
27 March 2007
Today the National Assembly formally endorses the Ekurhuleni Declaration,
the declaration that was issued at the end of the Africa Forum Against
Corruption. This forum was a precursor to the Global Forum 5 on Fighting
Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity, to be hosted by South Africa in Sandton
from 2-5 April.
Addressing the National Assembly, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Minister for
the Public Service and Administration and Chairpersons of the National
Anti-Corruption Forum (NACF) said, "The Africa Forum gave us an opportunity to
share perceptions and experience of corruption strategies and best practices as
well as to deliberate on how we can work together to create effective
structures, policies and programmes to counter corruption."
"The Ekurhuleni Declaration addresses issues such as the definition of
corruption, encompassing a broader understanding of the concept. It highlights
how corruption is an impediment to development and undermines the democratic
process and ethos. It urges African leaders to stand up in the fight against
corruption, to mobilise society on the basis of communal values as epitomised
by the precepts of Ubuntu."
Later on in her address, Ms Fraser-Moleketi again referred to Ubuntu,
referring to the social cohesion and the need for other sectors of society to
increase their participation in the fight against corruption. In this context
she announced her intention to forge a partnership with business to support a
campaign to make the people of South Africa aware of the tools we have to fight
corruption, such as the National Anti-corruption Hotline - 0800 701 701 - and
the legal requirements of business to report corruption to the South African
Police Services (SAPS). This campaign will also promote whistle-blowing as a
patriotic duty.
In her closing remarks she concluded that, "we strive for sustained economic
growth in a more egalitarian global economic order despite the bumpy road we
have thus far travelled. We have raised the bar for our Continent, and our
people deserve no less. We cannot fail them."
For enquiries, contact:
Lewis Rabkin
Cell: 082 497 3220
Issued by: Department of Public Service and Administration
27 March 2007
