South Africa’s Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi has emphasized the crucial role of active citizenry in tackling corruption, urging the public to hold governments accountable
Speaking at the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) meeting , Buthelezi stated that engaged and informed citizens serve as the most effective deterrents against corruption.
“Active citizens 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,” he said.
The ACWG meeting, co-chaired by South Africa and Brazil, is being held in Cape Town and will run until Wednesday. It includes three technical meetings before the ministerial session. Monday’s closed sessions were led by Special Investigating Unit head advocate Andy Mothibi and Brazil’s Secretary for Private Sector Integrity, advocate Marcelo Pontes Vianna.
In his keynote address, Buthelezi highlighted the multifaceted nature of corruption, which he said manifests in various forms, including misappropriation of public funds, bribery, and nepotism. He noted that corruption thrives in environments lacking ethical leadership, financial controls, and accountability.
“It is both a cause and a consequence of poor governance, with far-reaching implications that weaken trust in public institutions, stifle economic growth, and deprive millions of essential services and opportunities,” Buthelezi stated.
According to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, South Africa ranks 82nd out of 180 countries. Historically, the country’s ranking has averaged 56th place since 1996, with its best ranking being 23rd in 1996 and its worst at 83rd in 2023.
Buthelezi underscored the significance of the ACWG, established in 2010 as part of the G20’s cooperation on anti-corruption. This year’s focus includes strengthening public sector transparency, integrity, and accountability; improving asset recovery measures; and enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors, civil society, and academia.
A key priority for the group, Buthelezi noted, is strengthening protections for whistleblowers. “This is the most important focus area. Ensuring that whistleblowers can report wrongdoing without fear is vital for fostering a culture of accountability,” he said.
South Africa ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption in 2004 and has since committed to a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy involving all sectors of society. The country has implemented constitutional and legislative measures, with multiple law enforcement agencies and oversight bodies tasked with preventing, detecting, and prosecuting corruption.
ALSO READ: NNPCL DECREASES FUEL PRICE TO N860 AMID COMPETITION
Buthelezi stressed the need for ethical governance, asserting that transparency and accountability are critical to restoring public trust. “A robust public sector ensures that officials operate within an ethical governance framework, where public trust hinges on the integrity of institutions. By enhancing ethical standards and oversight mechanisms, we can foster a culture of accountability,” he added.
The ACWG aims to advance legislative reforms to protect whistleblowers while ensuring effective asset recovery and public sector integrity. Buthelezi reaffirmed the commitment of G20 nations to combating corruption, emphasizing that the fight requires long-term dedication and collective action.
“The fight against corruption is not a sprint but a marathon that requires unwavering commitment and collective action. Through collaboration, integrity, and shared resolve, G20 nations can set a powerful example of transparency and accountability that resonates beyond their borders,” he concluded.
