Sona 2021: Ramaphosa appoints anti-corruption body

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which is a multi-sectoral body that will oversee the implementation of a government’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Thursday, 11 February 2021. With high-level corruption already a common feature in the Sona, as we have come to know it, the latest move will unlikely please opposition parties who have accused the president of failing to take a tough stance on graft.

“We have started implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which lays the basis for a comprehensive and integrated society-wide response to corruption,” Ramaphosa said.

“When reports started to surface last year about possible fraud and corruption in the procurement of COVID-related goods and services, we acted decisively to put a stop to these practices, to investigate all allegations and to act against those responsible. We established a fusion centre, which brings together key law enforcement agencies to share information and resources”

Ramaphosa: Corruption one of the greatest impediments to growth

The fusion centre, compromised of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), State Security Agency, SA Revenue Service, the Hawks and the Financial Intelligence Centre, is a co-ordinating body of law-enforcement agencies tasked with looking into COVID-19 related corruption.

The president has described corruption as being one of the greatest impediments to the country’s growth and development. Ramaphosa said the constant revelations from the State Capture Commission, show the true extent and graft and how the criminal justice system was comprised.

“The revelations from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry lay bare the extent of state capture and related corruption. Testimony at the Commission has shown how the criminal justice system was compromised and weakened. It is therefore vital that we sustain the momentum of the rebuilding effort that we began three years ago,” he said.

Ramaphosa did however add that there has been great progress in turning around law enforcement bodies, saying critical leadership positions have been filled with capable, experienced and trustworthy professionals.

In January 2021, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of several individuals to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), with the main aim of strengthening the body’s capacity, particularly as it fights key issues including corruption and gender-based violence.

 “There is improved cooperation and sharing of resources between the respective law enforcement agencies, enabling a more integrated approach to investigations and prosecutions,” he further said.