Corrupt officials have nowhere to hide
The recent arrests of alleged corrupt government officials and their private sector counterparts have highlighted South Africa’s commitment to transitioning from a state where capture was perceived as having no consequences to one where corruption is not tolerated.
It has been repeatedly said that government alone cannot win the war on corruption – and that all sectors of society need to lend their weight to what is a supreme battle for South Africa’s survival as a functioning democracy.
What is worrying, however, is that corruption fatigue is setting in among law-abiding citizens and members of the public service, resulting in this call for united action being met with despondency. It is my hope that the recent arrests of high-ranking officials make people once again sit up and notice.
Heed must also be taken of what was said about whistleblowers in the first part of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture – that they played a major role in revealing state capture.
The people of South Africa – and especially public servants – must remain resolute in their desire to live in a country in which resources meant to improve lives are not pilfered and trust in public officials and law-enforcement officers is a given.
We must create a culture of service delivery and excellence – even if it means reporting our boss or colleague for wrongdoing. A new narrative must be written that corrupt individuals will have nowhere to hide.
And while much of the attention is focused on big-ticket scandals, maladministration and dereliction of duty also constitute corruption, in that they erode the effective use of public funds. These indolent and inefficient public servants must also be exposed.
Much work has been done by government to enhance the capacity and skills of the state entities involved in the fight against corruption – and this is reflected in the successes of the Investigating Directorate of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and its Special Tribunal, the Fusion Centre and other entities.
Apart from the arrest of corrupt officials – including at local government level, fraudulent contracts have been ended and funds recovered.
Large-scale irregularity – including the alleged embezzlement of R1.5 billion – at the State Security Agency (SSA) is being investigated by the NPA’s Investigative Directorate and several people have been arrested.
In due course, the Presidency will deliver to Parliament an implementation plan on the recommendations of the state capture commission. I believe that this, and the actions that follow, will further help restore confidence in government.