Allegations of corruption must be tested in court: Ramaphosa

That is the view of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa came down hard on corruption during his State of the Nation Address last night, adding that the new National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi's efforts will be boosted by a unit to probe allegations around state capture.

NOW READ: Pre-school to become compulsory in South Africa

The President said corruption and state capture are sinking efforts to improve the lives or ordinary South Africans.

"We recognise, as do all South Africans that our greatest efforts to end poverty, unemployment and inequality will achieve little, unless we tackle state capture and corruption in all its manifestations and in all areas of public life," he said.

Ramaphosa said the allegations coming out of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture are shocking.

"They reveal the breadth and depth of criminal wrongdoing that challenge the very foundations of our democratic state," he said.

ALSO READ: Work together to solve student issues: Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa said prosecutions must follow swiftly and where there is a need to do so, stolen public funds must be recovered as a matter of urgency. He said state capture has eroded vital institutions' ability to do their work.

"We have appointed a new NDPP, Advocate Batohi to lead the revival. She has been charged with leading the revival of the NPA and to strengthen our fight against crime and corruption."

ALSO READ: Officials in Bosasa corruption case appear in court

"You watch this space."