Umamah Bakharia 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed nine people to form part of a National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. The president stated that this was part of strengthening South Africa’s fight against fraud and corruption.

The nine members come from diverse backgrounds and include civil society and academia.

Speaking to Radio Islam, the Organisation for Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) Wayne Duvenhage says this could effectively curb corruption.

“We believe that this is a good move, although it’s very late,” he says, citing that Ramaphosa mentioned the council’s establishment in 2021.

In a statement, the presidency says the Council will also provide advisory input on matters related to the government’s comprehensive response to the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture.

While it adds that the Council has been established to deepen the country’s efforts to rid society and the administration of corruption, improve investor confidence and secure higher levels of public trust.

“Now is the time for implementation and support of this initiative rather than slam it, I think it will have some independence and its going to be quite effective,” Duvenhage says.