Corruption is one of the greatest impediments to the country’s growth and development, and the rebuilding effort begun three years ago must be maintained.

There has been great progress in turning around law enforcement bodies, with critical leadership positions filled, improved cooperation and sharing of resources by law enforcement agencies, and implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council members will be appointed shortly.

Government has committed itself to having zero tolerance for and fighting corruption in all sectors of society.

COVID corruption

The Fusion Centre, which brings together key law enforcement agencies to share information and resources, was established last year to act on fraud and corruption in the procurement of COVID-related goods and services. Millions of rands in public funds have been preserved or recovered.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) was authorised to investigate allegations of unlawful conduct with respect to COVID procurement by all state bodies during the National State of Disaster. The SIU has finalised investigations into 164 contracts with a total value of R3.5-billion.

Commissions of inquiry

The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture continues with its critical work with the full support of government and other institutions.

Testimony at the commission has shown how the criminal justice system was compromised and weakened.

It is therefore vital that government sustains the momentum of the rebuilding effort that began three years ago.

There has been great progress in turning around law-enforcement bodies.

Critical leadership positions have been filled with capable, experienced and trustworthy professionals.

There is improved cooperation and sharing of resources between the respective law-enforcement agencies, enabling a more integrated approach to investigations and prosecutions.

Political party funding

The Political Party Funding Act will come into operation on 1 April this year. This will regulate public and private funding of political parties.

Extortion in construction sector

Task teams have been set up in a number of provinces to deal with extortion and violence on sites of economic activity.

Links

• Special Investigating Unit
• Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation)
• National Prosecuting Authority
• Zondo Commission (Commission of Inquiry into State Capture)