Government accountability and reforms flourish in new report

The Presidency has released a progress report on Monday detailing advancements in response to the State Capture Commission recommendations, highlighting substantial strides in accountability and institutional reforms.

President Cyril Ramaphosa submitted the report to both the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, illustrating the government’s commitment to addressing state capture.

Covering developments up to the end of the 2024-2025 financial year, the report indicates that nearly half of the 60 actions outlined in Ramaphosa’s October 2022 Response Plan are complete or near completion.

Specifically, 48% are fully or substantially finished, 23% are on track, while 29% are delayed but actively being addressed.

The report showcases significant progress in criminal justice, with the Integrated Task Force, led by the National Prosecuting Authority, implementing 218 criminal investigations linked to state capture.

As of March 2025, 21% of these cases have reached resolution or are set for trial, with numerous high-profile cases slated for trial in the upcoming years, including those concerning the Free State Asbestos Removal case and various contracts involving Transnet.

Moreover, the government has successfully recovered almost R11 billion in stolen public funds, a stark contrast to the R2.9 billion reported in October 2022.

This includes substantial recoveries from firms like ABB and McKinsey, along with assets worth R10.6 billion currently restrained or under preservation orders, signaling further recoveries ahead.

Institutional reforms also feature prominently in the report. The establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, under the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act of 2024, enhances law enforcement’s ability to tackle corruption. Additionally, comprehensive anti-money laundering reforms have led to a 40% increase in compliance with regulations.

Public procurement has undergone transformation through the new Public Procurement Act, aimed at consolidating and improving the procurement process to enhance transparency. Intelligence services have been restructured, reinstating the division between foreign and domestic intelligence operations, thereby strengthening oversight and accountability.

The state has also taken steps toward corporate accountability, with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission reviewing affected entities and the National Treasury banning Bain & Co from state business for a decade.

Disciplinary measures against implicated professionals further reinforce the commitment to accountability.

Legislative achievements include significant amendments that criminalise undue influence in political donations and introduce corporate liability for corruption. As highlighted by Ramaphosa, the ongoing work is crucial for preventing future corruption and restoring public trust.

Looking ahead, the President outlined key priorities for 2025-2026, including accelerating high-profile prosecutions, finalising the Whistleblower Protection Bill, and reforming state enterprise governance.

Ramaphosa affirmed, “Our commitment to addressing state capture remains steadfast, and we will ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

The full progress report, detailing implementation status, new legislation, and recovery efforts, can be accessed on The Presidency’s website.