Kolkata, India – In a gathering of esteemed representatives from G20 countries and international organizations, the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministers Meeting took place today, with Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration, Dr Chana Pilane-Majake, addressing the meeting.
During her address, Dr Pilane-Majake expressed South Africa’s support for the collective efforts of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group in combating corruption within each respective country.
She highlighted the importance of the Accountability Report on Mutual Legal Assistance and the Compendium of Good Practices in Enhancing the Role of Auditing in Tackling Corruption, which was developed under the leadership of the current 2023 Presidency, India, and previous presidencies. These tools are instrumental in promoting cooperation and aligning domestic processes with international best practices, with a particular focus on addressing the gendered impact of corruption.
Dr Pilane-Majake emphasized South Africa’s commitment to combating corruption through various measures. One notable initiative is the Compendium of Good Practices on the role of auditing in tackling corruption, which is aligned with international standards and supported by constitutional imperatives and legislation that establish the Auditor General of South Africa.
“The recently amended Public Audit Act of 2018 empowers the Auditor General’s Office to take action against financial irregularities in state organs. This includes referring material irregularities for further investigation, issuing certificates of debt for failure to implement recommendations, and taking binding remedial action.
“Furthermore, South Africa has implemented the Public Administration Management Act of 2014, which prohibits public officials from conducting business with the state. The country has also introduced lifestyle audits for all public servants since April 2021 to prevent and detect fraud and corruption. Additionally, lifestyle audits have been extended to members of the Executive since July 2023,” Dr Pilane-Majake said.
She said South Africa has shown dedication to global collaboration in the fight against corruption and has enacted laws that allow for the creation of an international tribunal to address corruption cases within its jurisdiction.
Moreover, South Africa has strengthened extradition laws and entered into bilateral agreements to enhance its capacity to bring perpetrators of corruption to justice or repatriate them to their home countries for prosecution.
South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), along with related conventions such as the OECD Convention, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, BRICS Anti-Corruption Protocols, and the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force.
The G20 Anti-Corruption Ministers Meeting will be concluded with the expectation of adopting an Anti-Corruption Ministerial Communique, signifying a collective commitment to combating corruption on a global scale.
The meeting served as a platform for exchanging insights, strategies, and best practices, further strengthening the global fight against corruption.
