Your Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Colleagues, Directors- General, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen Today is indeed a significant day for South Africa's ongoing development and participation in international and regional cooperation. This government is determined to eliminate the scourge of corruption in all sectors of our society. This phenomenon is not unique to South Africa or any other country in the world, nor is it unique to any sector within this or any other country.
Corruption is a societal problem that manifests at domestic and international levels.
South Africa will continue to vigorously fight corruption at a domestic level, and will actively participate and contribute towards regional and international initiatives to fight this plague globally. Last month Ministers from African countries, including South Africa, agreed to the Charter for the Public Service in Africa, committing us to modern, professional and ethical service delivery. Armed with increased knowledge of corruption and using other programme initiatives we will finalize our national anti-corruption strategy, with supporting legislation. A crucial aspect of our anti corruption programme will be the participation of society, and in particular the work that will be done collectively with the Business and Civil Society sectors in the country. Soon Government, Business and civil Society will come together in a National Anti-corruption Forum and will take this work forward.