Kubayi: Corruption threatens national treasures like Kruger Park
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has warned of the threat corruption poses to national treasures such as the Kruger National Park.
She made the remark during her address at the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting held at the world-famous tourist destination in Mpumalanga.
Kubayi stressed South Africa's commitment to the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.
"As the first global treaty on cybercrime, it establishes a comprehensive framework for international cooperation, mutual legal assistance, harmonisation and capacity-building, ensuring that all states are better equipped to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cyber offences," she said.
"This convention too shall go a long way in enabling the fight against corruption and other crimes."
Kubayi highlighted Kruger National Park's value, warning that corruption poses a significant threat to such treasures.
"If not combated, corruption may result in the loss of resources and habitats, and the degradation of ecosystems, with direct and indirect effects on the livelihood of local communities."
"To effectively combat corruption, there has to be a shared commitment from multi-stakeholders, including stronger partnerships between the public sector, private sector, civil society, and academia, consistent with domestic laws of each of our countries. Corruption, just like organised crime, is more often than not, hidden, secretive and complex, involving multiple actors, networks and jurisdictions."
Kubayi noted that effective asset recovery is challenging due to differing legal systems and jurisdictions, but close collaboration can help overcome these obstacles.
"By incorporating the latest technologies, including AI, into our strategies, we can improve detection and prevention. Collective action can reduce corruption's impact, and it's crucial we take action to protect the future of our children and national treasures like the Kruger National Park."
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