South Africa steps up efforts to combat corruption, cybercrimes

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23  — The Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday afternoon and agreed to take a coordinated effort to combat corruption and maladministration through technological advancement With corruption and cybercrimes on the rise in South Africa.
“The fight against corruption and cybercrimes is a major issue in South Africa. Through this partnership, the CSIR will utilize its research competency to assist the SIU with necessary technological solutions to tackle cybercrimes,” CSIR CEO Dr. Thulani Dlamini said on Monday at a briefing.
During the signing of the memorandum of understanding, the two organizations agreed to collaborate on several strategic areas, “Our team of experts in data science, information security, cybersecurity, blockchain, and artificial intelligence are ready to assist,” Dlamini noted.
Head of SIU Advocate Andy Mothibi said the world was becoming increasingly digitized, and criminals are taking advantage of it. “Our partnership with the CSIR is in line with the SIU’s strategy of detecting fraud and corruption early and having systems in place that prevent these crimes. We live in a digitized world, and criminals are using technology to their advantage.” In the wake of years of state capture, the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed to eliminating corruption from the government.
In an interview with Xinhua after the media briefing, SIU spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said the use of advanced technology was crucial since criminals had become more advanced in their criminal activities.
The primary mandate of the SIU is to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration in the administration of State institutions, State assets and public money as well as any conduct which may seriously harm the interests of the public, and to recover any financial losses suffered by State institutions through civil ligation. The SIU is empowered to take civil action to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigations.
The CSIR is an African research and development organisation established through an Act of Parliament in 1945. The CSIR undertakes directed, multidisciplinary research and technological innovation that contributes to the improved quality of life of South Africans.  (Xinhua)