Cyril Ramaphosa Backs Establishment of Anti-Corruption Body, SA Suggests: “Start With Phala Phala”
- President Cyril Ramaphosa weighed in on the establishment of an independent anti-corruption body
- The formation of this body was the recommendation of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council
- South Africans shared their thoughts online about the anti-corruption body and what it should investigate first
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – South Africa could soon have a dedicated anti-corruption body, something many South Africans find quite laughable.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the establishment of an anti-corruption body was one of the recommendations by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC).
The recommendation was part of the NACAC’s final report after the end of its three-year term. The NACAC was established in August 2022 to boost the country’s efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability.
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Ramaphosa explains the role of anti-corruption body
In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa noted that the council recommended that this body be called the Office of Public Integrity and Anti-Corruption (OPIAC). It would operate independently, focusing on preventing, investigating, and addressing systemic corruption.
The NACAC also recommended that law enforcement be strengthened, as well as the implementation of Artificial Intelligence to prevent corruption. The president added that while fighting corruption needed detection and enforcement, it also had to be underpinned by ethical leadership and societal responsibility.
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What are the next steps for the proposal?
The president explained that the next steps include drafting the legislation and engaging with stakeholders to establish the body. He added that this would mark a key effort in restoring the public’s trust in South African institutions.
Ramaphosa also stressed the need to tackle corruption in both the public and private sectors, mentioning that tax evasion, market manipulation, inflated contracts, and tender collusion were also harming the economy, though often receiving less attention.
How did South Africans react to the news?
Social media users reacted with a mix of amusement and amazement. While some welcomed the news, they also questioned who would serve on the body. Others asked whether it would investigate Ramaphosa and the Phala Phala saga.
Lechuti Malebo stated:
“An anti-corruption body that will be filled with politicians, especially ANC members. If they are serious, they must appoint an outsider to head that body.”
Juls Gibs said:
“It must start with Phala Phala.”
Gerald Tidimalo Sehlabela added:
“Look who is talking, the ringleader himself.”
Howard De Klerk asked:
“Will they be looking into the Phala Phala case? He cannot lead anything with that cloud over him.”
Kone Mbedzi exclaimed:
“He, baba, where is the Zondo Commission report?”
Melanie Grobbelaar Melz questioned:
“How can a corrupt person start an anti-corruption body?”
Bernard Phaka Kgasago stated:
“You can't expect mosquitoes to solve Malaria problems.”
Bruce Austen said:
“They can start with the Zondo Commission reports. That will keep them going for years.”
Gregory Jaftha added:
“Ah, all these lovely things just before elections. They can start with Phala Phala.”
Izak Badenhorst agreed:
“Great. The first investigation must be Phala Phala.”
Raymond Zondo blames political interference for corruption
Briefly News reported that Raymond Zondo weighed in on the corruption crisis engulfing the country.
The former Chief Justice blamed political interference and the disbanding of the Scorpions for the problem.
South Africans shared their thoughts about Zondo's comments and the disbanding of the Scorpions.
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