President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the close-out report of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC).
The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council was set up in September 2022 to guide the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and, among other things, to advise on strengthening the state’s anti-corruption architecture.
The council has therefore remained a vital element in the fight against corruption.
In reflecting on the end of the three-year term of the council, Ramaphosa said, “While much of our attention is paid to efforts to detect and act against corruption, the success of our efforts relies on our ability to prevent corruption in the first place.
“We need to build transparent, accountable and ethical institutions – both public and private – in which corruption is unable to take root. We need to build a society characterised by responsibility and integrity.”
The NACAC close-out report, which will be released publicly, consists of a set of recommendations that, among others, include the establishment of a permanent, independent, and overarching anti-corruption body.
Strengthening and coordinating law enforcement agencies, utilising artificial intelligence to prevent corruption, and establishing an anti-corruption data sharing framework.
Ramaphosa appreciated the report and its recommendations, affirming that they would need to be thoroughly reviewed and, where appropriate, acted upon without undue delay.
The South African president said, “The report, observations and recommendations clearly demonstrate the extensive work and significant thought that NACAC has applied to these challenges.
“NACAC has fully implemented its mandate and provided a firm, evidence-based foundation to advance a comprehensive response to corruption. The observations and recommendations will, as a matter of priority, receive the attention of the National Executive and the relevant institutions.”
The National Executive will process the recommendations of NACAC for tabling and deliberation in cabinet.
The final set of recommendations that will be adopted will then be implemented in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions and established processes.
