Media release

Government Communication and Information System on launch of Anti-Corruption #ThumaMina pledge campaign

07 August 2018

The GCIS and BUSA launch a pledge campaign against corruption

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in partnership with Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) launched the Anti-Corruption #ThumaMina pledge campaign today, 07 August 2018.

The campaign aims to galvanise the business sector, public servants and society at large to take a firm and visible stand against corruption.

Members of the BUSA Board, as well as other business stakeholders, all pledged to contribute meaningfully towards the Government's mission to clampdown on corruption.

BUSA Chief Executive Tanya Cohen said “We have acknowledged the extent to which corporates and sections of the business sector have been complicit in acts of corruption.” adding that the business sector needed to intensify its efforts to improve governance frameworks and strengthen actions that improve the prevention, detection and punishment of corruption. BUSA stated that a critical determinant in turning the tide against corruption is recognising, as envisaged in the National Development Plan, that South Africa needs a capable state and active citizenry to address a lack of effective, competent and capable governance. Corruption will continue to go unchecked until proper accountability, coupled with transparency and capable, credible oversight measures are put in place by all social actors, stated BUSA.

“While corruption is not new, it is a significant barrier to South Africa’s sustainable economic, political and social progress. Corruption not only discourages long-term and foreign direct investment but also diverts limited public financial resources that are required, both to provide much needed social support as well as to stimulate the economy and create jobs. It is for this reason we have put our efforts behind this anti-corruption initiative,” Cohen added.

Reading the pledge, each of the non-executive directors of BUSA, vowed to be responsible and honest citizens and neither pay nor take bribes. They promised to obey the law and encourage others around them to do the same.

“Government is determined to fight against the scourge of corruption in the public and private sector. In the spirit of #ThumaMina we call on all public servants to lead the way in fighting corruption especially in government institutions”, said the Acting Director-General of the GCIS, Phumla Williams.

The fight against corruption remains a major priority of government that is receiving attention at a highest level. Currently, the process of developing and adopting a Comprehensive National Anti-Corruption Strategy is underway. BUSA, together with Corruption Watch, will be co-ordinating engagement and input on behalf of the business sector in order to provide input to the Strategy.

Government has begun the public consultation process to solicit inputs, thus far consultations were held in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces.
“Community members are urged to also commit themselves to take part in the Anti-Corruption movement. All citizens can share videos, photographs or audio pledging their support and post on social media using the hashtag #FightingCorruption” said Phumla Williams.

Government has adopted a zero tolerance approach towards corruption in the public and private sector. BUSA has unequivocally endorsed the zero tolerance towards corruption approach.
Civil society and Faith-Based organisations are encouraged to join the anti-corruption pledge campaign, more information can be accessed on www.gov.za.

Fighting corruption is everyone’s responsibility, report any acts of corruption activities in the public service by dialing the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701.

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams (GCIS Acting DG)
Cell: 0835010139

Xolisa Phillip (BUSA Communications)
Cell: 011 784 8000

Issued by Government Communication and Information System

Share this page
Similar categories to explore