27.10.22_Final CSWG Statement_Civil Society Response to Presidency Response to Zondo Commission Stat

The President’s response to the State Capture report marks an important moment for the country as it demonstrates the political will to accept, take forward and implement the key recommendations of the Zondo Commission. [...] The government has the opportunity to ensure accountability and justice for years of corruption and maladministration, and to institute key reforms to rebuild the state and ensure that it works for the benefit of all. [...] As the Commission's findings, and the phenomenon of state capture itself, continue to be debated in the public domain, it is important that the Government has endorsed the Commission's findings. [...] We welcome the President's broad commitment to reforms in the areas of whistle-blower protection and incentivization, procurement reform, the capacitation and strengthening of law enforcement and other accountability institutions, the professionalization of the public administration, and the protection of public institutions from abuse. [...] The task of the Executive is not to "mop up" the effects of state capture but to address, seriously and comprehensively, the 1 complex failures of the state and political system that have enabled and continue to enable corruption and state capture.