Cape town: President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will intensify efforts to combat corruption, address illegal immigration, tackle the water crisis and turn around struggling municipalities as part of a broader drive to build a capable and developmental State. Addressing Parliament during the Presidency Budget Vote on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said strengthening law enforcement institutions and restoring public confidence in government remain key priorities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President emphasized the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen law enforcement agencies, security services, the National Prosecuting Authority, and specialized anti-corruption bodies. He highlighted the anticipated final report of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, led by Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, which is expected to bolster the South African Police Service (SAPS) and broader anti-corruption initiatives.
President Ramaphosa reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption, emphasizing the public trust inherent in public office and the betrayal of the Constitution by those who misuse public resources for personal gain. He noted that significant progress had been made in implementing recommendations from the State Capture Commission, with 80% of the 60 actions in the implementation plan either complete or on track, and recoveries from state capture investigations exceeding R17 billion.
Addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which was declared a national disaster in November, the President outlined the government's action plan and resource commitment, focusing on prevention and promoting positive masculinity among boys and young men.
On illegal immigration, President Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns and outlined decisive actions to address the challenge, including workplace inspections, prosecution of employers violating labor laws, enhanced border security, and tackling corruption within the immigration system. He cautioned against xenophobia and vigilantism, emphasizing the need to uphold the Constitution and human dignity.
Resolving the water crisis is a major focus for the coming year, with the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee to oversee both emergency interventions and long-term reforms for improving water management and service delivery. The President stressed the importance of fixing local government, highlighting poor municipal performance as a hindrance to economic growth and investment.
To address municipal challenges, the government is supporting reforms in the revised White Paper on Local Government and expanding collaborative working groups in major metropolitan municipalities. The President also announced the expansion of youth employment programmes, including the National Youth Service, which will provide 100,000 community service opportunities during the current financial year.
As the government advances its reform agenda, President Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to participate in the next phase of the National Dialogue process, with pilot engagements scheduled from June to August. He concluded by emphasizing the need to focus on improving service delivery, creating jobs, combating corruption, and strengthening democratic institutions, urging the nation not to be deterred by distractions or political intrigue.
