Anti-Corruption Day: An opportunity for politicians to take action

International Anti-Corruption Day is observed worldwide on 9 December since fighting corruption is a global concern.

The observance day was implemented by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption back in 2003 with the aim to raise awareness.

Corruption is found in both rich and poor countries. Not only does it hurt the poverty-stricken disproportionately, but it also contributes to instability and state failure.

International Anti-Corruption Day

The day is commemorated annually on 9 December in recognition of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which was signed in Mexico in 2003.

Awareness campaigns on the day are backed by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Theme 2022: Uniting the World

Since 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the UNCAC, this year’s theme is ‘UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption’.

It’s an opportunity for political leaders, governments, legal bodies and lobby groups to join forces against corruption, but what happens when governments are the main culprits?

Corruption in South Africa

In South Africa, malfeasance in both the private and public sectors has a detrimental effect on the country.

According to Advocate Paul Hoffman, the director of the Institute for Accountability in SA, there are four ways to stop corruption in South Africa.

The first step would be to establish an efficient integrity commission. (That said, the ANC’s integrity commission currently has its collective hands full with the Phala Phala drama).

Stirring for the greater good

Hoffman said the secret of a successful integrity commission is STIRS:

• Specialised: A commission must be dedicated to dealing with corruption only.
• Trained personnel who know what they’re doing.
• Independent: It must be above political influence
• Resourced: Enough resources to enable the entity to do its work.
• Secure: Unpopular decisions shouldn’t be career-threatening.

Other pillars in fighting corruption include the political will to address issues of corruption in a proactive manner, as well as dealing effectively with “cross-cutting corruption issues”.

The issues include the grey areas such as the funding of political parties or the lack of sanctions against bribing foreign officials.

Lastly, active citizenry plays a vital role in eliminating fraud and malfeasance altogether.

How to play your part

So, where exactly does that leave ordinary South Africans?

Hoffman said: “Corruption can only be countered effectively if a critical mass of people is prepared to ask the difficult questions and to lobby for strong institutions of state to combat the corrupt.

He said civil society must take an active interest in government because “nothing concentrates the minds of politicians better than the fear of losing public support”, especially when elections roll around.

According to Corruption Watch, you can fight back in five ways:

• End impunity
• Reform public administration and finance management
• Promote transparency and access to information
• Empower citizens
• Close international loopholes

Cases may be reported to National Hotline on 0800-701-701, or on 0800-43-43-73

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