Restoring institutions and rebuilding the economy
One of the overriding challenges this administration had to deal with when it took office was state capture and corruption.
Government’s first priority was to put a decisive stop to state capture, to dismantle the criminal networks within the state and to ensure that perpetrators faced justice.
Government had to do that so that it could restore institutions and rebuild the economy. It appointed capable people with integrity to head law-enforcement agencies, government departments, security services and state companies, often through an independent and transparent processes.
The credibility and efficiency of a number of institutions like the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have been restored and their performance improved.
Combating corruption and other serious crimes
Government set up the Investigating Directorate as a specialized and multidisciplinary unit within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to investigate corruption and other serious crimes.
“Great progress has been made in bringing those responsible for state capture to justice. More than 200 accused persons are being prosecuted. More are under investigation. Stolen funds are being recovered.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 8 February 2024, Cape Town City Hall.
Freezing orders of R14 billion have been granted to the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit for state capture-related cases, and around R8.6 billion in corrupt proceeds have been returned to the state. A restored and revitalised SARS has collected R4.8 billion in unpaid taxes as a result of evidence presented at the Commission, while the Special Investigating Unit has instituted civil litigation to the value of R64 billion.
Government has taken steps, including through new legislation, to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent money laundering and fraud and secure its removal from the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force.
With the assistance of business, government has set up a digital forensic capability to support the NPA Investigating Directorate, which in due course will be expanded to support law enforcement more broadly.
Legislation is currently before Parliament to establish the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity with full investigating powers. But there is much more work to be done to eradicate corruption completely.
Based on the recommendations of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, we are determined to introduce further measures to strengthen our anti-corruption agencies, protect whistle-blowers, regulate lobbying and prevent the undue influence of public representatives in procurement.
