The South African government’s 7th Administration remains resolute in its commitment to eliminate corruption.

Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi made this statement during the Ministerial meeting of the G20 Anti-Corruption working group in Brazil.

Minister Buthelezi highlighted that the government is engaged in various initiatives, including legislative reforms aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS). This strategy is built on the principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, respect for the rule of law, and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

These initiatives are guided by the National Development Plan (NDP), which aims to establish a resilient anti-corruption system by 2030.

“Corruption distorts markets and harms the poorest and most vulnerable members of society by diverting funds intended for development. This undermines the ability to provide essential services like healthcare and education,” he stated.

Minister Buthelezi emphasized that corruption is a global challenge that weakens the economic framework of nations, exacerbating inequalities, eroding public trust, and undermining the rule of law.

“The scourge of corruption knows no boundaries; it affects both developing and developed countries alike. Evidence shows that corruption impacts nations to varying degrees, regardless of their economic status,” he added.

According to Minister Buthelezi, the Ministerial gathering will be crucial in strengthening the commitment of G20 members and invited countries to intensify the fight against corruption.

“We urge all G20 countries to reaffirm their commitment to developing and implementing policies that enhance the integrity, transparency, and accountability of public institutions. This will help prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute corruption holistically.

“We also call on G20 countries to facilitate international cooperation in tracing, freezing, confiscating, and returning assets to their country of origin without delay.

“Through international cooperation, we can leverage best practices, exchange knowledge, coordinate investigations, and implement joint initiatives when needed,” he stated.

Minister Buthelezi also announced that the South African government is committed to accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 16, which targets reducing illicit financial flows (SDG 16.4), tackling corruption and bribery in all forms (SDG 16.5), and developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (SDG 16.6).

To achieve these targets, partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as the active participation of all members of society, are essential.

South Africa is a signatory to numerous international agreements and reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive range of measures aimed at preventing and combating corruption, fostering solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

The G20 serves as the primary forum for international economic cooperation, monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption—the only legislative mechanism addressing this issue.

It plays a vital role in shaping and strengthening global governance on all major international economic matters.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency

South Africa’s Presidency aims to address three strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity’s 7th Administration:

– Reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living.

– Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

– Driving inclusive growth and job creation.

This G20 Presidency marks the first time an African country has presided over the G20 and hosted a G20 Summit.

During the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa stated, “We will place Africa’s development at the top of the agenda when we host the G20 in 2025.”

The South African Presidency will also focus on the developmental agenda and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).