The Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has called for intensifying the fight against corruption on a multi-national and global scale as it “threatens the very fabric of our democracies, economies, and societies.”

Minister Inkosi Buthelezi delivered the opening address of the inaugural G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) meeting, which is currently underway in Somerset West, in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

“Corruption is a multifaceted problem that manifests in various forms – from the misappropriation of public funds to bribery and nepotism. It is both a cause and a consequence of poor governance as it flourishes in environments where ethical leadership is absent, financial controls are weak, and accountability is lacking,” said Minister Inkosi Buthelezi.

Co-Chaired by South Africa’s head of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU), Advocate Andy Mothibe, and the Brazilian Secretary for Private Sector Integrity, Office of the Controller General, Mr Marcelo Pontes Vianna, the ACWG meeting was the first of a series that is planned after South Africa’s ascendency onto South Africa’s G20 Presidency,

As the political head for the G20 Anti-Corruption Work Track, Minister Inkosi Buthelezi emphasized the fact that while South Africa is the first African nation to assume the G20 Presidency, the opportunities to set the agenda for this august grouping of nations rest on the entire continent and the Global South.

“In line with our Presidency’s theme – “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development,” this summit serves as a central effort to address a global challenge that undermines development, economic stability, and public trust,” said Minister Inkosi Buthelezi.

Drawing from the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Action Plan 2025 to 2027, the Minister shared South Africa’s multi-agency working model with the G20 Member States. According to Minister Inkosi Buthelezi, the model also draws the participation of non-state stakeholders, such as those from the private and civil society sectors, under the following four key priorities:

  • Strengthening the public sector integrity – by promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
  • Enhancing asset recovery efforts – ensuring stolen resources are recovered and used for public good.
  • Fostering inclusive participation – mobilizing the public and private sectors, civil society, and academia to work collaboratively to prevent and combat corruption.
  • The protection of whistle-blowers is a key element in enhancing anti-corruption efforts.

Minister Inkosi Buthelezi recognized the role of fear and intimidation in discouraging people from reporting acts of corruption and encouraged the G20 ACWG to explore ways in which whistleblowers get supported and protected for doing the right thing.

“Active citizenry must be at the heart of our anti-corruption efforts, as they are not just passive recipients of governance but the drivers of accountability and reform. When they are empowered, informed, and engaged, they become the most effective deterrent against corruption,” said Minister Inkosi Buthelezi.

In addition to the G20 ACWG Action Plan for 2025-2027, the work of the ACWG under the G20 Presidency is also aligned with the priorities of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Consequently, the 2025 G20 ACWG meetings are expected to set the agenda for future anti-corruption initiatives globally, focusing on addressing the root causes of corruption and reinforcing mechanisms for accountability.

“By focusing on strengthening public institutions, enhancing asset recovery, promoting inclusive participation, and protecting whistle-blowers, the ACWG is poised to make a meaningful impact,” said Minister Inkosi Buthelezi.