Corruption 'not government's responsibility alone'

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi has sparked debate by claiming that rooting out corruption is not solely government's responsibility.

- Enkosi Selane

His utterances are despite taxpayers forking out over R140 million in just three months for suspended government employees.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Buthelezi said corruption requires a collective approach, rather than being government's burden alone.

"You will understand that government officials cannot be corrupt unless there are other people who are involved, which involves the public and the private sector," he said.

Buthelezi said government is not opposed to paying whistleblowers, an idea under discussion. He said the concept emerged during the G20 working group meeting in Cape Town recently.

"If there is a feeling that people will come forward, people will report wrongdoings and corruption if they are incentivised, there can be some [compensation]," he said.