South Africa marked International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2025 with a national event hosted by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) in Sandton, Johannesburg. Delivering the opening address, DPSA Director-General Mr Willie Vukela urged citizens, government, civil society, and the private sector to work collectively to strengthen integrity and accountability across the country.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister for the Department of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the Chairperson of the National Priority Crime Operational Committee, Liutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi, Public Service Commission Commissioners Yasmin Bacus and Vusumuzi Mavuso; United Nations Country Representative Nelson Muffuh; representatives from the Government of Canada; colleagues from The Ethics Institute; and senior public service officials.
Mr Vukela reflected on the global significance of the day, which has been observed annually since 2003 following the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). He highlighted Article 13(1) of the Convention, which obliges state parties to promote active participation from individuals and groups outside the public sector in the prevention and combating of corruption.
He emphasised that the day serves as a poignant reminder of the severe impact that corruption has on national stability, democratic institutions, economic growth, and the daily lives of citizens. “Corruption weakens the foundation of democratic institutions, stunting economic development, undermining the rule of law, and eroding the quality of life for all citizens,” he said.
Emphasising the need for broad societal involvement, Mr Vukela noted that the fight against corruption increasingly depends on public awareness, engagement, and vigilance. “Citizens are the drivers of accountability, reform and change. Unless citizens rise against corruption, society will never be rid of this disease,” he warned.
He pointed to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, adopted by the Cabinet in November 2020, as proof of South Africa’s commitment to a whole-of-society approach. This commitment was reinforced through South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency, where the Anti-Corruption Working Group prioritised strengthening multistakeholder roles in enhancing ethics, transparency, and accountability.
The Working Group produced several key documents, including:
· A compendium of good practices for promoting a transparent and ethical civil service
· A report on technical assistance and capacity-building for asset recovery
· High-level principles on the administration of seized and confiscated assets
· A compendium of good practices on multistakeholder roles in combating corruption
· An accountability report on protecting whistle-blowers
These outcomes reflected the G20 Presidency theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” framed within the spirit of Ubuntu to emphasise global and social interconnectedness.
Mr Vukela encouraged attendees to review the published documents, available at www.g20.org.za, highlighting the compendium detailing the role of multiple stakeholders in corruption prevention.
He reaffirmed the theme of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, “Empowering Communities: Together for Integrity and Accountability”—and emphasised the collective responsibility required to defeat corruption.
“I am confident that by working together as government, the private sector and civil society, we can win this war,” he said.
