Premier pioneers anti-corruption outreach
The Limpopo Provincial Government hosted the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Stakeholder Engagement Forum at the new Peter Mokaba Sports Complex on Tuesday, 28 August.
POLOKWANE – This forum forms part of consultation efforts to engage stakeholders on the development of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, intended to coordinate and monitor the public sector, private sector and civil society.
Read more: [WATCH] Premier Mathabatha speaks about the consequences of corruption
In 2002, the country’s first ever anti-corruption strategy was adopted and after the 2009 general elections, an Anti-corruption Inter-Ministerial Committee (ACIMC) was appointed by government to drive anti-corruption programmes at cabinet level.
The ACIMC from there appointed an Anti-corruption Task Team (ACTT) which consisted of government agencies.
The ACTT mandate was anti-corruption and the national anti-corruption strategy was established to look into corruption happening within the public and societal structures.
The National Anti-Corruption Strategy Stakeholder Engagement Forum’s main aim is to get input from stakeholders on the strategic pillars of the proposed national anti-corruption strategy.
It also aims to be inclusive of the key stakeholders with the consultations, allowing them to provide additional input with the consultation process. It also serves to inform stakeholder about the process of development of the national anti-corruption strategy.
“Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability.
“Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the solicitation of bribes,” said Limpopo Premier, Chupu Mathabatha.
He explained fighting crime and corruption within the public and private sector is a priority for government as it undermines the dream of a better life for all.
“It is for this reason we want to canvas to this meeting to accept the submission that any viable anti-corruption strategy must consider both the private and public sector corruption.
“The monies we lose as a result of tax evasion can go a long way to assist in the construction of new roads, clinics, connecting households to electricity and providing clean drinking water to our communities.
“It is for this reason we should see corruption, in all its manifestation, as the enemy of our people. Corruption is an enemy of development. Public and private sector corruption stand opposed to the ideal of a better life for all,” Mathabatha added.
He explained government has put in place sufficient legislative and institutional mechanisms through which the public can report corruption, such as the anti-corruption hotline within various departments and municipalities.
