Strengthening the global fight against corruption: Highlights of the 2nd G20 ACWG technical meeting
Image: Supplied
The 2nd G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) under the South African Presidency convened in Brasilia from June 9 to 12, 2025, uniting delegates to address critical issues in preventing and combating corruption. Co-chaired by South Africa and Brazil, the meeting aimed to reinforce the Working Group's priorities to strengthen the public sector by promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability, increasing the efficiency of asset recovery measures, enhancing participation from the public sector, private sector, civil society, and academia, and improving whistleblower protection mechanisms.
The South African ambassador to Brazil, Vusi Mavimbela, delivered the opening remarks during the inaugural session. He highlighted the importance of international collaboration in the fight against corruption and stressed South Africa's dedication to advancing collective goals, stating, 'Through our G20 Presidency theme, 'Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability', we reaffirm our commitment to advancing collective efforts toward inclusive global economic growth and sustainable development.'
Brazil's Minister of State for the Office of the Comptroller General, His Excellency Vinícius Marques de Carvalho, delivered the keynote address, stressing the significance of inclusive approaches in anti-corruption efforts. He underscored the complex nature of corruption, requiring diverse perspectives and expertise. Carvalho called for a multi-agency strategy, urging the involvement of civil society, academia, and the private sector in shaping effective anti-corruption policies.
At the heart of the meeting were the discussions of the draft G20 High-Level Principles on the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets. These draft principles aim to provide a framework for G20 countries to manage seized assets, closing gaps identified by the ACWG to strengthen asset recovery. The Group also considered the Zero Draft Ministerial Declaration, encapsulating the commitment of G20 countries to address corruption through prevention. This draft will be presented for adoption at the Ministerial Meeting in October 2025.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
In addition to the main sessions, a side event was held on measuring integrity in public procurement, exploring challenges in quantifying corruption, and the necessity for evidence-based methodologies, co-hosted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The UNDP informed that it is establishing a framework for measuring integrity, collecting data from 60 countries by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to provide objective tools to gauge the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Another side event was held to address the preventive dimension in the fight against corruption and new forms of organized crime, co-hosted by EL PACTO 2.0, a partnership with the European Union focused on justice and security.
The G20 ACWG and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Group on Bribery held a joint meeting aimed at supporting the shared commitment to combating the bribery of foreign public officials in international transactions.
The 2nd G20 ACWG meeting provided an opportunity for delegates to exchange views, share experiences, and deepen understanding of the evolving challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption through the lens of the Presidency's theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. The Working Group acknowledged that there remains considerable work ahead to fully realise the deliverables committed to at the start of the year, including timely responses to the questionnaires, substantive inputs toward the draft Ministerial Declaration, and the High-Level Principles on the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets.
Through these efforts, the G20 seeks to instill confidence in its commitment to combating corruption and promoting sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for all. As South Africa and Brazil lead this charge, the hope is that the momentum generated from this meeting will translate into tangible actions that resonate beyond borders, creating a global environment where corruption has no place.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
17 minutes ago
- The South African
Floyd Shivambu's future in doubt ahead of MK-or-break address
Speculations are rife regarding Floyd Shivambu's future at uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party). This comes ahead of the party's press conference on Thursday, 19 June. The press conference is expected to touch on political developments in the country. It follows the MK Party leader, Jacob Zuma's decision to remove Shivambu from the position of secretary-general. Taking to X, Shivambu shared a press invite without the official green and yellow MK colours. The post's caption read: 'Those who have worked with us know that the guiding dictum and principle is guided by Amilcar Cabral, who says, 'Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories'.' The former Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) member also added that it is his DNA to speak the truth because it is revolutionary. Shivambu thereafter shared another post with the official MK colours. Many social media users believe that Floyd Shivambu might be returning to the Red Berets. However, a key question gaining traction online is whether EFF leader Julius Malema would be willing to welcome the former party member back. EFF member of parliament, Sixolise Gcilishe responded to the questions and said: 'Juju will sadly forgive Floyd, because he is a man with a beautiful heart. He's forgiven people who have done worse to him. People who threatened his family and swore to bury him alive. He will forgive him[Floyd Shivambu]. But what he will not do is bring him back in the EFF. Unfortunately…' Others are also suggesting that Shivambu may start his own party. During the MK Party's launch of its youth division, the political party's president said those who want to leave the party are welcome to do so. According to TimesLive, Zuma said if members want to start their own party, they should go ahead. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
This is why your shopping cart mysteriously got pricier while you weren't looking
Consumer data reveals that 80% of South African shoppers view consistent pricing as a key driver of trust, yet many continue to face unexplained price changes when shopping online. Image: FreePik Picture this: you've found the perfect pair of sneakers online – they're in your size, on sale, practically calling your name. You check your budget, take a well-deserved coffee break, and when you return, the price has jumped by R200. Sound familiar? This scenario, all too common for online shoppers, may be the result of dynamic pricing, a sophisticated pricing strategy that has seeped into the e-commerce landscape. 'You might be dealing with dynamic pricing, a common pricing strategy that quietly adjusts prices based on factors like demand, time of day, or even how many times you've viewed a product,' explains Jonathan Spencer of While dynamic pricing is not necessarily a villain in the retail world—it allows retailers to manage stock effectively, respond to fluctuations in supply chain costs, and remain competitive—it can leave consumers feeling bewildered and frustrated. Many might debate the merits of such pricing mechanisms, but Spencer insists that the core issue lies not in the price changes themselves, but in the lack of transparency surrounding them. 'The challenge isn't that prices change; it's that consumers often don't know when or why they're changing,' he elaborates. The experience of two customers looking for the same item at different times, or even on different devices, could drastically differ. One might snag a remarkable deal while the other is left feeling fleeced. When dynamic pricing is communicated clearly, it can work seamlessly. For example, airline tickets fluctuate based on demand and availability, while ride-sharing services like Uber are upfront about their peak-hour pricing. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The problem arises when price shifts occur without any context. 'Retailers need to be upfront, too,' Spencer urges. 'If prices shift based on certain conditions, just tell people. No one likes feeling uncertain about pricing. Pricing changes should be as clear as delivery fees or stock limits.' According to recent consumer studies, 80% of shoppers trust brands with consistent pricing, and 42% are willing to pay a premium if it means price stability. This has led some local e-commerce platforms to embrace transparency, offering the same deal to everyone for the same duration, no matter their shopping habits or browsing patterns. So how can consumers navigate this dynamic pricing landscape without frustration? Spencer offers several tips: Use price-tracking tools to help identify changes before making a purchase. Clear your cookies or browse in incognito mode to potentially avoid personalised price hikes. Compare prices across different platforms prior to committing to a purchase. Keep an eye on price patterns; erratic fluctuations are often a sign of dynamic pricing at play. 'Online shopping shouldn't feel like guesswork,' Spencer concludes. 'Whether it's dynamic or fixed pricing, transparency should always be the standard.' As a consumer, advocating for clarity in pricing can empower you to make informed decisions while shopping online, saving sweet Rands and ensuring a more satisfactory retail experience. IOL
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
MaMkhize's luxury car collection to go under the hammer as Sars clamps down
Shauwn Mkhize whose assets, including fleet of cars, were confiscated by Sars during the raid earlier last week. South African businesswoman and reality TV star Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize is once again making headlines — this time over her flashy car collection, which is going up for auction next week as part of an ongoing legal battle with the South African Revenue Service. The vehicles, which include some of the world's most luxurious brands, are linked to unpaid taxes owed by her football club, Royal AM. A total of 13 high-end vehicles and a tour bus will be sold online through Bidders Choice. The auction will be open from 27 June until 2 July, giving car lovers and collectors a chance to bid on some truly rare finds. Anyone interested in placing a bid must first register and pay a R50 000 refundable registration fee. The cars can be viewed in person in Johannesburg or KwaZulu-Natal before the auction begins. Among the collection is a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S680 Maybach Edition 100, a vehicle so rare that only 100 units were produced globally. Similar models have been known to fetch upwards of R5 million at international auctions. This specific car still carries branding from Royal AM Football Club, the team Mkhize bought in 2021 and moved to KwaZulu-Natal from Bloemfontein, when it was still known as Bloemfontein Celtics. The auction also includes a 2020 Bentley Continental GTC, a car that easily commands a price tag of around R4 million. Another standout is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen with ONYX customisation, a model that could sell for more than R2 million depending on its condition. A 2022 BMW i7 xDrive 60, one of the latest electric sedans from BMW, is also up for grabs and typically sells for nearly R3 million. Other vehicles in the line-up include a 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class Maybach Bus, several BMWs, two Toyota Hilux bakkies, a Nissan NP300, and a Volkswagen Crafter. The luxury tour bus, a 2014 Mercedes-Benz Marcopolo G7, is also part of the sale. The vehicles are being auctioned as part of Sars's efforts to recover over R37 million in tax debt allegedly owed by Royal AM. The club was placed under curatorship last year, and the auction is one of the steps being taken to settle the outstanding tax liabilities. This comes just months after a failed deal to sell Royal AM to an investment company. According to court-appointed curator Jaco Venter, Global Investments was selected as the successful bidder earlier this year, but the agreement fell through when the company missed the payment deadline. Mkhize has not commented publicly on the auction, but Sars has made it clear that the move is part of a broader effort to clamp down on high-profile taxpayers who do not comply with the law. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on MaMkhize, whose once-celebrated lifestyle is being picked apart piece by piece.
