Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has maintained his stance that combating corruption is a comprehensive, multi-sectoral battle.

This after civil society organisation, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), accused the minister and government of attempting to deflect accountability for combating corruption.

Buthelezi says despite a narrative that aims to undermine government’s gains, government has made great strides in fighting corruption.

“We realised that fighting corruption cannot be a responsibility of government alone, it’s a multi-sectoral approach. This does not negate the fact that government should take the lead. I can ask you today to invite the Department of Justice and Correctional Services where the SIU can give a detailed account of how much billions we have prevented from being embezzled, how much billions we have actually recovered, how much assets we have recovered. Government is doing so much.”

VIDEO | Political parties have also raised concerns about corruption in the country:

OUTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wayne Duvenage,says it is government’s responsibility to put systems in place that prevent corruption.

“Government holds all the cards when it comes to challenging corruption and if it doesn’t own this problem and fight it and tackle it then nobody else will come on board. Civil society has been on board, insiders inside government, whistleblowers outside of government, they’re all willing to participate. But they will never participate if their actions are futile if the whistleblowing is not safe, if the systems are not safe. So, to say that well, everybody must come on board and not create the environment to do so is crazy. So, the minister is not owning the problem and it’s the victim mentality that says,  until you all come on board, we’re not going to get on top of this problem.”

PODCAST | OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage’s full interview on SA FM’s Morning Brief: