Johannesburg - President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the work being done by law-enforcement agencies such as SIU, Hawks and the police in bringing those involved in corruption to justice.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday regarding the recommendation of the Zondo state capture report.
He said inroads have been made to reverse the gains of state capture and corruption with assets of those involved in corrupt practices having recently been seized after high profile individuals were arrested for fraud, corruption and other related charges.
Saturday marked the last day for Ramaphosa to make his submission, and he informed parliament that he would outline his intentions with regards to the implementation of the commission's recommendations.
On Sunday, during his address to the nation, Ramaphosa said corruption had taken money meant for service delivery.
"The corruption that was perpetrated is a crime against the people of South Africa. Corruption is a betrayal of our democracy and an assault on the institutions that we established together to advance the values of our Constitution and the interests of our people," he said
He also added that actions were being taken to reverse the gains of corruption.
“We are taking, and the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations are designed to provide redress in respect of the events of the past and to advance the renewal of our society.Through the implementation of the actions contained in this response, we can start a new chapter in our struggle against corruption," he said.
In his newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa reiterated his stance on corruption, saying efforts are bearing fruits.
"Almost daily now, we read reports of people being arrested and appearing in court on charges related to state capture. We read about misappropriated assets being frozen and property being seized. The scenes that are unfolding in our courts today are because investigators and prosecutors are living up to their professional obligations and the expectations of the nation they serve," Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa, who himself is embroiled in corrupt dealings after reports uncovered theft of millions in foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm in February 2020, said the recently established National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council would play an important part in mobilising all sectors of society in the fight against corruption.
“The recently established National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council will play an important part in mobilising all sectors of our society towards the attainment of a country defined by integrity, honesty and accountability.
“Following the submission of our response to the State Capture Commission, the government is poised to work with social partners and communities on this great undertaking, which will be passed on from generation to generation into our future. This moment of renewal is upon us and urges us to restate the vision of our National Development Plan of “a South Africa that has zero tolerance for corruption," he said.
The Star