S Africa can learn from China in fighting corruption: official

Xinhua | Updated: 2009-11-02 11:03

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa should learn from China's effective fight against corruption, an official said over the weekend.

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Malusi Gigaba, who is also a member of the national executive committee of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), told local media on Saturday that the Communist Party of China (CPC) provided a model on curbing corruption among party members.

Besides learning from the CPC's harsh punishment for corruption, the ANC should also follow its example in establishing party schools, where party members are reminded of the importance of good conduct, Gigaba said.

Last week, President Jacob Zuma called for "new ways" to fight corruption, saying that existing mechanisms caused lengthy investigations in corruption cases.

"We need to change the way we do it," Zuma told the National Council of Provinces on October 30.

Also on October 30, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) held its first Annual Anti-Corruption Forum with the theme of "strengthening the fight against corruption towards a corruption-free business environment."

Jerry Vilakazi, chief executive of BUSA, said in a statement on Sunday that the Anti-Corruption Forum was aimed at promoting the implementation of the national anti-corruption program.

The forum also reviewed anti-corruption and anti-bribery mechanisms of the country.