Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Richard Baloyi has reiterated government’s call for collective action to combat corruption in all its manifestations. The Minister was speaking at the 3rd annual Anti-Corruption Business Forum at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The Forum held under the theme “Strengthening the role of business in the call for collective action”, has drawn a wide-ranging of stakeholders including government and business leaders.
In his remarks delivered during a panel discussion, Minister Baloyi warned that time for introducing more legislation and policies to tackle corruption has past and what was required is for civil society to join hands with government in an effort to eradicate the scourge.
“As government we submit that fighting corruption in all its manifestations cannot be our sole responsibility but a collective action amongst all stakeholders in society. Involvement of civil society is needed and you do not need a fragmented civil society to join hands in the fight against corruption” added Minister Baloyi.
The Minister also reiterated government’s intention to amend the Public Service Act to address the question of suspended public servants for longer periods while continuing to earn salaries. He said war on corruption in the public service has to be intensified as it is affecting the most vulnerable people in society, especially poor people in rural areas. “Zero tolerance of corruption is the stance of government, it is not rhetoric but a target that must be realized” added the Minister.
Representatives of Business Unity South Africa echoed governments call for a collective action to eradicate corruption stressing that it is problem for business and acknowledged the severity of the scourge in building better society.
For more information contact:
Mr Dumisani Nkwamba
Tel: 012 336 1704
Cell: 082 885 9448
E-mail: dumisanin@dpsa.gov.za
Ms Lebohang Mafokosi
Tel: 012 336 1017
Cell: 082 312 4641
E-mail: lebohangm@dpsa.gov.za
