Pretoria - Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi says government has always been in partnership with Business Unity South Africa (Busa) in the fight against corruption.
Addressing Busa's anti-corruption roundtable discussion, held under the theme 'Assessing the role of business in the call for collective action' in Sandton, Baloyi said corruption was a societal problem whose solution required collaborative efforts and partnerships amongst all sectors of society, including government, business and civil society.
"Our country's approach in preventing and combating corruption is unique because business and civil society are working collectively to fight the scourge.
"Government's role is to provide a stable environment that facilitates the growth and development of the country, while the business community has an important role to play in preventing and combating corruption," Baloyi said, adding that an essential element in building a corruption-free society was an ethical business community.
The minister urged guests at the meeting to engage in a conversation about corruption.
"We should ensure that our commitment to eradicate this problem is not merely rhetorical, but realistic and that it yields practical outcomes."
He said stamping out corruption depended on the will to translate statements into concrete actions that were visible to all the people in the country.
In her opening remarks, Busa President Futhi Mtoba said partnership between business and government would increase awareness in fighting corruption, mentioning that Busa was a member of the National Anti-corruption Forum (NACF).
She also expressed the need for training, mentorship and online programmes in the fight against corruption.
Government and business have been partners in the fight against corruption since the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Forum in 2001. - BuaNews
