How Ramaphosa plans to tackle state inefficiency, graft

"We know the challenges that our people face when they interact with the state," President Ramaphosa said during his maiden State of the Nation Address on Friday night. "In too many cases, they often get poor service or no service at all."

Ramaphosa outlined a range of initiatives to tackle public sector corruption and improve the efficiency of the state during his speech.

Tackling corruption

Former President Jacob Zuma's adminstration had been dogged by allegations of corruption and using state-owned entities (SOEs) for rent-seeking and personal gain.

His successor says he is committed to ridding government of corruption.

Ramaphosa said his administration will "turn the tide on corruption", calling on law enforcement entities to take action against all those implicated in state capture.

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The Hawks and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have already brought at least eight suspects linked to the Estina Dairy Project in the Free State before the courts.

A manhunt has also been launched for Ajay Gupta, who has been declared a fugitive from justice.

Cleaning SOEs

Ramaphosa referred specifically to Eskom, where a new board has been appointed, resulting in the exodus of a number of executives accused of wrongdoing.

"Government will take further measures to ensure that all state-owned companies fulfil their economic and developmental mandates."

A leadership overhaul is also expected at critical institutions such as the NPA while interventions are planned for the South African Revenue Service (Sars).

"At the request of the Minister of Finance, I will shortly appoint a Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance of SARS, to ensure that we restore the credibility of the Service and strengthen its capacity to meet its revenue targets," Ramaphosa vowed. 

In his recent explosive book, The President's Keepers, journalist and author Jacques Pauw alleged the integrity of these institutions have completed been eroded under the Zuma administration.

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Streamlining governance

Ramaphosa added that government institutions, some of which facing serious financial challenges, need to operate more efficiently.

"These SOEs cannot borrow their way out of their financial difficulties, and we will therefore undertake a process of consultation with all stakeholders to review the funding model of SOEs and other measures. 

"We will therefore initiate a process to review the configuration, number and size of national government departments."

This announcement was widely welcomed by opposition parties who all claim Cabinet is too bloated.