By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed satisfaction with the observations and recommendations of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council contained in its report, which has laid the groundwork for the government to crack down on corruption.
The Presidency said on Thursday that the council, which was set up in September 2022 on a three-year term to advise the government on strengthening the state’s anti-corruption architecture, has since handed over its report to Ramaphosa.
It said the president was happy with the close-out report which would be reviewed.
Ramaphosa has maintained that the council, whose term comes to an end next month, remained a vital element in the fight against corruption.
“While much of our attention is paid to efforts to detect and act against corruption, the success of our efforts relies on our ability to prevent corruption in the first place.
“We need to build transparent, accountable and ethical institutions – both public and private – in which corruption is unable to take root. We need to build a society characterised by responsibility and integrity,” said the president.
The Presidency said in a statement that the council had recommended establishing a permanent, independent and overarching anti-corruption body.
It also suggested strengthening and the coordination of law enforcement agencies, using artificial intelligence to prevent corruption and establishing an anti-corruption data sharing framework.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa appreciated the report and the recommendations. Once thoroughly reviewed, where appropriate, recommendations would be acted on without any undue delay.
“The report, observations and recommendations clearly demonstrate the extensive work and significant thought that NACAC has applied to these challenges.
“NACAC has given full effect to its mandate and has provided a firm, evidence-based foundation to take forward a comprehensive response to corruption,” the president said in the statement.
He said the national executive would process the recommendations of NACAC for tabling and deliberation in Cabinet.
The final set of recommendations that would be adopted would then be implemented in accordance with the relevant and established statutory provisions and processes.
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