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Government, labour and business have spoken out in a united voice against corruption and the negative effects it has on economic growth.
Representatives of these three sectors met recently at the 22nd National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) Summit.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said unless corruption and patronage were dealt with, radical economic transformation, growth stimulation and job creation would remain pipe dreams.
“Corruption impedes growth and redistribution… Either we confront corruption decisively and deliberately and thereby nurture the green shoots of an economic recovery, or we allow corrupt practices to continue unchecked and consign our people to poverty for generations to come.
“This is the time when we must take a stand as business, government, labour and community to end wrongdoing, punish those responsible and recover stolen resources,” he said.
Nedlac is a body which seeks to address the challenges of creating sustainable economic growth for poverty alleviation and job creation.
The Deputy President said corruption and unethical conduct threaten the country's shared future. He impressed upon Nedlac to position itself as the spearhead of an ethical economy.
Business Unity South Africa representative Martin Kingston said corruption needed to be addressed decisively.
“Corruption is a significant barrier to South Africa's sustainable economic, political and social progress. The negative impact of corruption on the economy and on South Africa's ability to deliver inclusive growth and transformation cannot be ignored.
“Corruption not only discourages long-term investment; it also increases the risk of further sovereign downgrades. Corruption will continue to go unchecked until proper accountability, transparency and credible oversight measures are put into place.
It's important for business to take decisive action to root out corruption. Integrity needs to be entrenched,” said Kingston.
Congress of South African Trade Unions General Secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali said good governance is a prerequisite for all organisations.