By Thapelo Molefe
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption, with Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi warning that not only does it threaten the future of the nation, it is a betrayal by leaders who South Africans have placed their trust in.
“Corruption is not only a scourge that threatens the very fabric of our democracy and the future of our nation. It is an administrative failure and an act of cruelty and betrayal of the nation by (an) evil alliance of the very same people we trusted to be our leaders – yet they are not, but unscrupulous individuals.
“Such acts threaten our democracy, hinder our country’s development and perpetuate inequality,” he said on Monday.
Buthelezi was speaking at the National Dialogue on Anti-Corruption that coincided with International Anti-Corruption Day.
He described corruption as “a cancer bleeding our resources, stealing from the poor and eating away at our future”.
The dialogue, which was led by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council and the Public Service Commission, focused on fostering collaboration across all sectors of society.
Buthelezi said fighting corruption was a shared responsibility.
“The fight against corruption is not the responsibility of the government alone, but a societal challenge that requires the participation of every sector from government, private, civil, academia and most importantly, active and vigilant citizens.”
The National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-2030 was presented as a robust roadmap for reform.
With its six pillars, it emphasises transparency, accountability and active citizenry as essential components to fight the scourge.
Buthelezi outlined several initiatives already underway to strengthen governance and accountability.
These included enhancing protection for whistleblowers.
“We must create an environment where exposing shenanigans and telling the truth thrives.”
He also highlighted the digitisation of procurement processes as a critical step to improving transparency and minimising irregularities.
Buthelezi stressed the importance of professionalising the public service through merit-based recruitment and ethical training to eliminate patronage and nepotism.
“Through collective action, we can reclaim the values of integrity, accountability and transparency that should define our nation,” the minister told delegates.
Recognising the critical role of young people in shaping SA’s future, he called on the youth to actively combat corruption.
“The youth, as our country’s future leaders, must be empowered to champion integrity and accountability,” he said.
Buthelezi encouraged initiatives like civic education, community engagement and leadership development to nurture a generation committed to good governance.
“Their energy, creativity and commitment are essential in shaping a future that prioritises good governance over greed,” he added.
Buthelezi stressed the importance of involving communities in monitoring procurement projects.
“Every breach must be met with swift and decisive consequences. No individual, regardless of rank, is above the law,” he asserted.
The minister also pointed out that corruption could not be eradicated without addressing collusion between the public and private sectors, especially in the financial sector.
“There are no financial transactions that take place without the active participation and processing of the banking sector,” he said, emphasising the need for banks to adopt strict ethical standards and work actively to prevent illicit financial activities.
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