Government is steadfast to stamp out all forms of corruption in both the private and the public service space, Public Service and Administration Minister, Mr Senzo Mchunu told the anti–corruption Ministers virtual meeting of the Group of 20 nations on Friday.
“We want to reiterate South Africa’s commitment to fighting corruption – not only as part of the country’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 but also in compliance with the country’s international obligations with regard to promoting the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC),” he said, adding that G20 nations should co-operate with each other when it comes to fighting corruption.
“It is sad that on all international platforms, we recommit to co-operating with each other, yet on the ground, there is little progress in this regard.
“We urge fellow G20 countries to lead by example in affording one another wider measures of co-operation in the recovery of assets and law enforcement.
“When we meet in the future, we should be reporting on the progress of how we practically co-operated amongst ourselves as G20 countries in this area.”
The NDP envisages South Africa with reduced levels of corruption by 2030.
South Africa endorsed the Ministerial Declaration in which the G20 Ministers responsible for anti-corruption committed to be part of the initiatives undertaken against corruption on a global, continental, regional and national level.
Government efforts to eradicate corruption is reflected in the number of anti-corruption conventions and measures South Africa accented to since the dawn of democracy.
The reduction of corruption in both public and private sectors is a specific priority deliverable for the government.
The G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG)
In 2019-2021 Action Plan of the ACWG will strive to adapt its working methods and mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of past G20 commitments and increase the impact of our anti-corruption agenda.
It will also develop further targeted actions where the G20 can best add value, without duplicating work being undertaken elsewhere, notably to strengthen integrity and transparency in the public and the private sectors.
These will include tackling financial crime related to corruption such as money laundering and recovering stolen assets; enhance practical anti-corruption cooperation.
The Plan will also address relevant topics such as foreign bribery and corruption related to infrastructure, sports, and other vulnerable sectors.
The G20, is the premier forum for international economic cooperation which brings together leaders of both developed and developing countries from every continent.
