Shani Reddy | Daily Maverick | 19 February 2020
The consequences of State Capture extend beyond financial loss. Corruption has undoubtedly contributed to poverty and unemployment and these consequences should not be ignored by the Zondo Commission.
Corruption is not a victimless crime. State Capture and corruption infringe upon the human rights of the South African people and have deep roots in exacerbating poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
This is the contention of the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture, which has launched a joint agenda addressing the impact of corruption on the lives of South Africans.
The Agenda for Action is supported by more than 25 civil society organisations and is based on over 15 submissions already submitted to Judge Raymond Zondo, chair of the State Capture Commission. The agenda was submitted to Judge Zondo on 18 February 2020.
The report, led by Open Secrets’s Naushina Rahim, recognises the urgency for reforms and identifies and addresses five areas requiring urgent attention:
- Strengthening and building the capacity of criminal justice agencies;
- Holding enablers of State Capture to account;
- Improving the financial accountability of political parties through amended regulations;
- Addressing the endemic nature of corruption in state-owned enterprises; and
- Addressing the impact of corruption and how it undermines the fundamental rights of vulnerable groups.
The areas were identified through a People’s Hearing on State Capture held on 12 October 2019 as a means for the people of South Africa to have their voices heard.
