Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi launched International Anti-Corruption Day with a vow that all corrupt activities will be confronted, dismantled and uprooted from all spheres of government.
“As we mark the International Anti-Corruption Day, our message is direct and that is, “Corruption is a threat to economic competitiveness, it is a social destabiliser and a direct assault on the developmental aspirations of our people.
“Therefore, it will be confronted, dismantled and be uprooted from our system – whether it manifests in boardrooms, municipal offices and even in global networks,” he said.
The Minister was briefing reporters on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Pretoria, where he officially launched the International Anti-corruption Day that he described as signifying a renewed contract of trust to government by citizens.
This according to Inkosi Buthelezi shall be implemented by closing historical loopholes…by doubling down on consequence management…by tightening procurement governance…by strengthening investigative capacity and by building a public service culture that is anchored in ethics, accountability and performance discipline.
Every year on December 9th, International Anti-Corruption Day raises public awareness for anti-corruption also through encouraging the public to work on innovative solutions aimed at winning the battle against corruption.
Minister Buthelezi said South Africa has moved from addressing statements of intent as government and has reached an infection point where citizens expect a capable and an ethical state.
Successful hosting of the G20
He said the successful hosting of the G20 demonstrated that South Africa indeed has abilities to convene, to lead and to deliver on complex multilateral platforms.
“This year alone has been a strategic inflection point for South Africa’s global leadership on anti-corruption as we launch this International Anti-Corruption Day building on a strong momentum we generated on the global stage where our country successfully hosted the G20 summit.
“It positioned our nation as a credible leader on governance and institutional reform. I must mention that one of the critical pillars of that leadership was the work of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (AWCG), that was co-chaired alongside the Special Investigating Unit.
“I must say, our stewardship of this Working Group delivered tangible impacts such as showcasing our country’s executive capability as well as the advancement of global standards for public procurement, the strengthening of cross boarder cooperation on asset recovery and anti-money laundering,” he said.
According to Minister Buthelezi, there was also an international consensus on digital integrity, data transparency, adding that member states were in alignment on the assertive approaches to combat illicit financial flows.
Minister Buthelezi further said today’s launch of International Anti-Corruption Day marks a move towards a cleaner and an accountable state, where the key reforms being outlined include a comprehensive public sector ethics framework, tightening codes of conduct and enforcing mandatory conflict of interest disclosures.
“It includes expanded lifestyle audits that are targeting high-risk portfolios and decision-making position.
“They include a streamlined, technology driven procurement oversight system that enhances transparency and eliminates opportunities for manipulation.
“They include a modernised whistle blower protection mechanism that prioritises safety, anonymity and follow through.
The Minister told journalists that these are not just cosmetics judgements. He said these represent a structural re-alignment of how government operates; how public resources are safeguarded and how accountability is enforced at every level of administration.
