Zuma: No state business for public servants

Cape Town, South Africa - Government will introduce measures stopping officials from doing business with the state, President Jacob Zuma announced on Tuesday.

It would tackle government procurement, management and operations weaknesses, he said in his state of the nation address.

"One of the key steps, which is already underway, is to centralise procurement under the... National Treasury."

Further, measures would be introduced to prevent public servants and public representatives from doing business with the state.

These would be supported by improved implementation of the financial disclosure framework, strengthened protection of whistle- blowers, and the provision of technical help to
departments for the effective management of discipline.

Zuma said enforcement agencies had made good progress in fighting corruption.

"The Special Investigating Unit, the Anti- Corruption Task Team, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Hawks, have made notable progress in our quest to combat corruption in society broadly and in the public sector.

"This work will continue in the next five years."