Weeding out graft in public and private sector a priority – ANC
THE ruling party has identified weeding out of corruption in both the private and public sector as some of its priorities in its election manifesto.
The manifesto was launched in Durban on Saturday during the party’s January 8 celebrations.
The ANC said corruption had negative consequences for the economy and society.
“Ethical and moral leadership in the private and public sector will be critical if our collective fight against corruption is to succeed,” reads the manifesto.
The ANC said it was committed to consolidating its resolve to crack down on corruption and state capture.
“We will comprehensively fight corruption, combining both prevention and punishment.”
The party also said it would actively promote a culture of integrity throughout the state, society and within itself.
“We will ensure that leaders and members of the ANC and broader movement and those entrusted with public responsibilities are uncorrupted, honest and self-disciplined with clear values who can resist moral pressures.
“We will not tolerate practices that harm the public interest.” The ANC, under President Cyril Ramaphosa, has set up various commissions, and instituted investigations, over the past year.
The party also committed to strengthen law enforcement agencies, oversight in Parliament and legislatures and supporting municipalities to improve financial management, service provision and infrastructure development and maintenance.
The ANC said it would strengthen the criminal justice system to recover stolen public money, speed up implementation of lifestyle audits and strengthen legislation barring public servants from doing business with the state.
Delivering the January 8 Statement, Ramaphosa said the ANC would intensify the fight against corruption in government, in the ANC and across society.
“Members of the ANC, working with communities and various sectors of society, should expose corruption and state capture, understanding that our efforts will be met with resistance by those who are the beneficiaries of these practices,” Ramaphosa said.
He said they would also expose corruption in the private sector.
“There should be nowhere to hide for those who steal from our people; no matter who they are or what positions they occupy,” he added.
On public institutions, the governing party said it would continue implementing measures to safeguard the independence of the judiciary.
Institutions supporting democracy would be supported and provided with resources.
There would be strengthening of intervention in governance of stateowned entities and security agencies.
Ramaphosa noted that there were some public servants whose indifference to the needs and concerns of citizens has led to a deterioration in the quality of services and assistance rendered.
“Public servants must serve the people of our country with commitment, diligence, humility, respect and honesty and make sure that they are effective agents of transformation.”
Meanwhile, the ANC said it would make two years of early childhood development compulsory for all children.
“We will extend the responsibilities of the Department of Basic Education to include provision and monitoring of early childhood,” reads the manifesto.
The party said it would appoint qualified teachers, develop their skills and enforce accountability.
It also said it would replace inadequate school buildings and sanitation facilities.
There should be nowhere to hide for those stealing
from our people; no matter who they are or the
positions they occupy
CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
ANC president