Statement by the national anti-corruption forum on the report by civil society on apartheid grand corruption

The National Anti-Corruption Forum (NACF) comprising Government, Civil Society and Business met today at a special meeting to discuss the report on Apartheid Grand Corruption.

The report prepared by Civil Society, was drafted as a result of a resolution passed at the Second National Anti-Corruption Summit held in March 2005, which states, “Civil Society will prepare a research report on crimes of corruption under Apartheid and present these to the NACF for consideration within 6 months.” As this is a Civil Society report, the content will be provided by them after this media briefing.

At today’s special meeting Civil Society made a comprehensive presentation of the findings and recommendations contained in the report. This was followed by in depth deliberations on the report by the NACF.

The report was welcomed for its contribution to the debate on the nature of corruption. The NACF specifically reflected on the inter-generational nature of corruption. The meeting noted the conditions that the apartheid state provided as an opportunity for corruption to take place, particularly the secretive and unaccountable nature of the apartheid state.It recognized that further research and information gathering are required to augment the report, and to determine whether criminal action is viable.

Business indicated that where there is evidence that would enable persons to be prosecuted this must be done by making use of current international treaties and South African legislation. It further emphasized that all actions must be taken within the legal framework created and guaranteed by the Constitution. Business also indicated that it would like the report to be released so that it can engage with the contents.

Government commended civil society on the research and acknowledged that despite there being limitations in conducting the research, it is a useful starting point to engage on the issue. This report, however, must be viewed as but one of the many projects on the National Anti-corruption Programme.Government indicated that departments are looking at various aspects of the report in taking it forward.

The NACF sees the research as a starting point. Clearly, it has an awareness raising and information value.The NACF will establish a sub-committee of 3 persons to take the report forward, and utilize the report for purposes of education and awareness. The NACF does not see its role as taking forward prosecution matters, but will bring any considerations on prosecutions to the attention of law enforcement agencies where deemed necessary. The report was seen as a good contribution to fighting corruption.

Issued by the secretariat of the NACF