President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night announced key reforms the government would make in order to prevent state capture happening again.
Following recommendations made by chief justice Raymond Zondo, Ramaphosa announced several measures to be taken. This includes:
The establishment of an independent public procurement anti-corruption agency and anti-corruption commission with oversight over parliament and the executive.
A code of conduct setting out the rules for procurement and the establishment of a professional body for public procurement officials.
Ramaphosa said the appointment of board members to SOEs enabled the capture of these companies, so the government accepts the commission’s recommendation on the need for a process for the appointment of boards that is not open to manipulation.
No board member will be allowed to be part of procurement processes.
Ministers will be prohibited from playing any role in procurement.
Zondo recommended a commission of inquiry into the Passenger Rail Agency of SA.
But Ramaphosa said there were currently probes by the Hawks and other entities under way.
The result of those will be awaited before a decision is made on instituting a Prasa inquiry.
Ramaphosa said whistle-blowing was vital in exposing many of the activities that were part of state capture.
Whistleblowers need to be encouraged and protected from victimisation.
The department of justice is reviewing relevant laws to protect whistle-blowers and offer immunity from honest disclosures.
Ramaphosa said Zondo also recommended far-reaching reforms to the country’s electoral system,meant to address weakness in the ability of parliament and its elected officials to provide oversight in the prevention of state capture.
People who occupy positions in government must be people with integrity, he said.
The president said he was attending to the commission’s recommendations regarding individuals against whom adverse findings were made.
Deputy president David Mabuza will interact with parliament’s presiding officers to oversee the implementation of some of the recommendations.
The National Treasury will engage with parliament on the commission’s recommendations on the funding of parliament.
Progress will be closely monitored.
