Ramaphosa urged to create Office of Public Integrity to combat corruption

THE National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) has told President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the Office of Public Integrity (OPI) and strengthen law enforcement agencies to bolster the fight against corruption.

- MANYANE MANYANE

NACAC was set up in August 2022 by Ramaphosa to advise on the way forward with countering fraud and corruption.

This appointment was part of Ramaphosa’ overall response to the report of the Zondo commission into allegations of state capture.

The advisory council was also established to advise the President on the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-2023 and, among other things, to advise on strengthening the State's anti-corruption architecture.

It was also expected to provide advisory input on the recommendations of the Zondo commission. The report was handed to Ramaphosa last week.

The council said corruption in South Africa is a pervasive problem that undermines governance, service delivery and economic growth by involving the improper use of public funds for private gain through bribery and other illicit practices. While the country has strong anti-corruption laws, enforcement is often weak and fear of retaliation discourages whistleblowers.

NACAC, chaired by Professor Firoz Cachalia, stated that there is currently impunity for perpetrators of serious corruption in the country and that this has eroded public trust in the government.

The advisory council also regarded the current crisis in law enforcement as a threat to the stability and the future of South Africa. The council recommended the establishment of OPI as a permanent, independent and overarching anti-corruption body.