The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has called for authorities to ensure that asset forfeiture orders against individuals implicated in corruption are followed by successful criminal prosecutions, blacklisting from government business and lengthy prison sentences.
The foundation said while the seizure of assets linked to alleged corruption was an important step in fighting state capture and organised crime, it should not be viewed as the end of the justice process.
The call comes amid a renewed focus on recovering millions of rand from individuals and companies accused of benefiting from fraudulent government tenders.
The foundation argued that asset forfeiture alone does not provide sufficient accountability for those accused of looting public funds.
“Recovering stolen assets is important, but it cannot replace criminal accountability,” the foundation said. “Those who have enriched themselves through corrupt tenders must face prosecution, be barred from doing business with the state, and receive prison sentences that reflect the seriousness of their crimes.”
The organisation said allowing individuals implicated in corruption to continue operating businesses or securing government contracts undermines public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
It also called for stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and government departments to ensure that investigations lead to convictions and that companies found guilty of corruption are prevented from benefiting from public procurement in the future.
According to the foundation, supplier blacklisting should become a standard consequence for businesses and individuals convicted of tender fraud, preventing them from returning to the public procurement system under different entities or company names.
The organisation further urged the National Prosecuting Authority and other law enforcement agencies to prioritise complex corruption cases involving politically connected individuals and organised syndicates.
It said South Africans want to see those responsible for looting public resources held personally accountable, particularly where corruption has deprived communities of essential services such as housing, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
The foundation maintained that the fight against corruption would only gain credibility when those responsible lose both their illegally acquired wealth and their freedom.
