Cape town: The Presidency has released its latest progress report on the implementation of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response to the State Capture Commission’s recommendations, highlighting marked improvements in accountability and institutional reforms.
According to South African Government News Agency, the report, which has also been submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, outlines developments made up to the end of Quarter 4 of the 2024/25 financial year. Of the 60 actions identified in the President’s October 2022 response plan, 48% have been completed or substantially completed, 23% are on track, and 29% are delayed but receiving attention.
Major achievements in accountability, said the Presidency in a statement on Monday, include significant progress in criminal justice, asset recovery, and institutional reforms. The Integrated Task Force, led by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is currently implementing 218 criminal investigation recommendations related to State capture. As of March 2025, 21% of these cases had either been finalised or enrolled for trial, with high-profile cases scheduled for trial through 2025-2026.
The government has recovered nearly R11 billion in stolen public funds, showing a notable rise from the R2.9 billion reported in October 2022. This recovery includes R2.9 billion from the Special Investigating Unit and R8 billion from the Asset Forfeiture Unit, with an additional R10.6 billion in assets under restraint or preservation orders.
In terms of institutional reforms, the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act of 2024 established the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as a permanent entity to enhance police powers and criminal investigation capabilities. Furthermore, the General Laws Amendment Act of 2022 implemented comprehensive anti-money laundering reforms, addressing deficiencies flagged by the Financial Action Task Force.
The Public Procurement Act of 2024 was enacted to consolidate procurement systems into a unified framework, aimed at boosting transparency and combating corruption. Additionally, the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, passed in March 2025, restructured intelligence services to strengthen oversight mechanisms.
Significant strides have also been made in professionalising public administration, with mandatory lifestyle audits for senior officials and supply chain personnel implemented in 138 departments by 2024. Corporate accountability measures have been reinforced, with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission reviewing private sector entities implicated in state capture.
Several critical legislative measures have been introduced to address vulnerabilities, including the Electoral Matters Amendment Act, Judicial Matters Amendment Act, and Companies Second Amendment Act. President Ramaphosa has set priorities for 2025-2026, focusing on accelerating high-profile prosecutions, finalising the Whistleblower Protection Bill, and completing amendments to the SARS Act.
President Ramaphosa emphasised the ongoing commitment to full implementation of the State Capture Commission’s recommendations and rebuilding public trust in state institutions. He stated that the ultimate test of these reforms is their effectiveness in preventing future occurrences of state capture and restoring faith in state institutions. The full progress report is available on The Presidency’s website.