Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on both the public and private sectors to unite against the scourge of corruption.

Mashatile also signed the anti-corruption pledge, vowing never to take or pay bribes and to treat public resources respectfully. 

He also signed the pledge to commemorate International Anti-corruption Day on Saturday 9 December as another promise to act with integrity in all his dealings. 

This is despite reports that he had the regular use of a property owned by businessman Edwin Sodi. 

Sodi currently faces charges of benefitting from state capture. The Zondo Commission found that the National Prosecuting Authority should consider charging him for his role in the asbestos scandal in the Free State.  

Mashatile told dignitaries, including heads of Chapter 9 institutions, at the 2023 International Anti-corruption Commemoration on Friday that corruption was a scourge that continues to affect every corner of the world.

"It's imperative for the public sector and private sector to unite in their dedication to good governance which is founded on transparency and accountability," Mashatile told the audience at Unisa's ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria. 

He said corruption was based on selfishness and a lack of concern for the majority.

Mashatile said:

It is on this basis that we should be vigilant in how we address corruption, especially in the public sector. It is a persistent problem that inhibits development, fairness, and equality in our society.

He also lit a candle alongside Whistleblower House executive director Cynthia Stimpel, remembering slain whistleblowers as well as those still in hiding.

Stimpel said the war on corruption was far from over, adding that whistleblowers, most of whom were in hiding, were tired of excuses. 

"I hope this light shines bright enough for the National Prosecuting Authority to see. We are getting tired of excuses in court," she said. 

Stimpel read out the names of whistleblowers who are in hiding, including Athol Williams and Thabiso Zulu. She also cautioned political parties from using public funds for campaigning. 

"I hope this candle can burn bright enough for our government to have the courage to prevent the looting," she said.