Limpopo Anti-Corruption Forum launched

LIMPOPO – Premier Stanley Mathabatha relaunched the Limpopo Anti-Corruption Forum at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane last Thursday.

The forum represents various voices within the province, which include government, the public service commission, media, labour, religious community, traditional leadership and the non-government organisation sector.

Mathabatha said the Anti-Corruption Forum will immediately take up the following responsibilities:
• Facilitate the coordination of sectoral strategies against corruption.
• Advise government on national initiatives on the implementation of strategies to combat corruption.
• Share information and the best practice on sectoral anti-corruption work.
• Provide guidance and advice on sectoral anti-corruption strategies.
• Promote integrity among members of different sectors of the community in dealing with government, such as procurement of goods and services.
“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 soliciting of bribes,” Mathabatha said.
He added that the fight against crime and corruption remains a top priority of government.

“While we commit to act harshly against corruption, we can only succeed if members of the public report corrupt activities. We have put in place sufficient legislative and institutional mechanisms for members of the public to report corruption. The Premier’s Anti-Corruption Hotline, 0800 20 4647, is available to those who wish to report corruption anonymously. This similar facility is available at our various departments and municipalities,” Mathabatha said.

According to Mathabatha the work of fighting corruption is immediately linked with the attainment of national goals such as fighting poverty and unemployment, improving economic growth and promoting social cohesion.

“These goals cannot be achieved in an environment of rampant corruption. The goals we have set for the province through the Limpopo Development Plan require that we liquidate corruption in all its forms. These goals include the creation of more jobs, increased access to basic services, improved education outcomes and the reduction of inequality. The Anti-Corruption Forum is for us not just a box-ticking exercise, it is an important body whose task is connected to our national goals,” Mathabatha explained.

He added that he is confident that the appointees will take their job very seriously, because it is indeed a serious job.

“I wish you all the best throughout your tenure as members of this Limpopo Anti-Corruption Forum. I am confident that you will not disappoint our expectations,” Mathabatha said.