SA nowhere near fighting and defeating corruption – Cachalia

NATIONAL Anti-corruption Advisory Council chairperson Firoz Cachalia has emphasised that accountability by top officials is paramount to getting rid of corruption.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the council in August to strengthen the country’s fight against fraud and corruption, just after the Zondo Commission, which cost taxpayers R1 billion, concluded last year.

“We should be arresting people. But you have to secure conviction; you need effective investigations and prosecution,” said Cachalia. “Those charged with corruption often have deep pockets. They can hire the most expensive and most capable lawyers.

“So our challenge is to build the capacity of the NPA, Hawks, and SIU. We are not yet in a position to ensure that all corruption is effectively investigated securing a conviction.”

Cachalia was speaking to Safm yesterday, following the council’s meeting with Ramaphosa on the government’s response to the Zondo Commissions rcommendations.

Cachalia said: “Whistle-blower protection is a very important priority. They increasingly find themselves in very vulnerable situations, and some of them are being killed. So we are looking at that proposal,” said Cachalia.

“We may need a new institution, and that takes time. Fighting corruption is not only a priority but it is going to take effort, focus, an active citizenry, and criticism of government.

“The Zondo Commission has recommended that we need a permanent type of body similar to the commission to conduct investigations on an ongoing basis. There are some foundations to build on. But we’re not in a position yet to be confident that we’re winning this battle," said Cachalia.

Earlier this month, Cope renewed its calls for Ramaphosa to implement the Zondo Commission’s recommendations, saying it was starting to doubt that Ramaphosa was really serious about implementing them.