Govt to step up fight against corruption, Ramaphosa vows
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the recommendations made by
the commission that led the inquiry into state capture allegations are being
implemented.
The president delivered the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town on Thursday evening.
"The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, consisting of people from across society, is in place to advise on suitable mechanisms to stem corruption, including an overhaul of the institutional architecture for combating corruption," he told a joint sitting of Parliament.
Ramaphosa said the government is already strengthening its witness protection capacities.
"Work is already underway to improve access to the witness protection programme for public servants that expose maladministration, corruption and unethical conduct.
“We will finalise the draft Public Procurement Bill to address weaknesses identified by the state capture commission and improve efficiency, value for money and transparency in our procurement system."
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Ramaphosa said law enforcement agencies are taking action against companies and individuals allegedly involved in state capture.
"The NPA Investigating Directorate, which I established in 2019, has taken 187 accused persons to court in 32 state capture and corruption cases.
“Over R7 billion has so far been returned to the state from state capture cases."
