Mashatile: Public servants’ priority ‘cannot be to serve their stomachs’
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government officials’ priority should be the needs of the people and not self-enrichment.
"As public servants and official bearers, we must safeguard the preambles of our constitution and constantly remind ourselves that our purpose is to serve the people, not to satisfy our stomachs.
“Our priority should be those whom we have sworn to serve and protect."
Mashile delivered the keynote address at the International Anti-Corruption Day event held at UNISA in Pretoria on Friday.
International Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated annually on 9 December in recognition of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, signed in Mexico in 2003.
South Africa is a signatory to the convention.
Mashatile said the government is working to eliminate corruption and state capture.
"As government, we have embarked on a wide range of measures to implement the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, which together should help ensure that such activities can never happen again.
"We have also taken steps by amending sections of the Companies Act to require the identity of shareholders of companies and address concerns about tax avoidance and illicit financial flows. This includes actions taken against illegal imports and illicit cigarette sales."
He added that the ANC has taken steps to fight corruption and strengthen integrity by requiring that members and leaders facing serious criminal charges step aside.
"The ANC government has issued guidelines on conducting lifestyle audits, and provincial departments are being technically assisted in implementing lifestyle audits and discipline management.
"However, the scourge of corruption persists, and we need to understand how corruption manifests itself. We need active citizenry, the people's participation in the transformation process, and fighting any form of corruption."
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