Cape Town - President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday said his administration was firmly committed to undertake the task of combatting corruption in all its forms and in every sphere of the state.
“Those who are involved in corruption or even thinking about engaging in criminal conduct must know that all instruments of the state will be used to bring them to book.
“There will be no place for corrupt people, criminal networks and perpetrators of state capture to hide,” Ramaphosa said in his address to the nation.
He was outlining the cabinet’s response to the findings and recommendations of the Zondo Commission after he submitted the implementation plan to Parliament on Saturday night.
Ramaphosa described the cabinet's response to the commission’s findings as a firm and clear indication of the primacy of the rule of law and the demonstration of the democratic system at work.
This response is also intended to be a platform to mobilise all sections of society against fraud, corruption and state capture now and into the future,” he said.
Ramaphosa noted that the commission made more than 350 recommendations and 202 were for criminal and other investigations, 27 recovery of assets and five constitutional changes, among others.
“The greatest number were directed to law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution and for recovery of misappropriated funds.
Ramaphosa said consideration was being given to claims for civil damages against companies implicated in state capture.
The possible banning of such companies from doing business with the state was also under consideration.
“In addition, analysis by the Financial Intelligence Centre has identified 595 individuals and 1 044 entities that may be involved in the flow of funds for state capture.
“Relevant information has been compiled into a report to various law enforcement and other bodies, SSA, SARS, the Public Protector, the Independent Directorate, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and law enforcement agencies in other countries.”
He also said key reforms would take place in response to the commission’s recommendation for establishment of independent public procurement anti-corruption agency and anti-corruption commission.
“It is appropriate that these recommendations form part of a fundamental redesign and review of the country’s anti-corruption architecture.”
He said a comprehensive proposal on effective and integrated anti-corruption institutional framework will be produced for public consultation.
Ramaphosa said the government accepted the need for a process for the appointment of SOE boards that was not open to manipulation.
“This will include involvement of independent panels to recommend suitable candidates to relevant ministers.”
On the commission’s recommendation for an inquiry into Prasa, Ramaphosa said he would like to wait for investigations by SIU and the Hawks before deciding on another inquiry.
On the proposal for electoral reform to have the president directly elected by voters and introduce a constituency-based electoral system, he said it should be considered by parties represented in Parliament and form part of consultation with society.
Ramaphosa said he was attending to the commission's observation on members of the cabinet whom it made adverse findings against.
Cape Times