ActionSA has introduced its Zero-Tolerance Corruption Bill, which aims to impose mandatory minimum sentences for corruption offences in South Africa. The bill, introduced by MP Dereleen James, seeks to amend the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 to introduce minimum sentences ranging from five years in a magistrate’s court to 18 years in a High Court.
The bill is part of ActionSA’s anti-corruption reform agenda, which the party says will help end the culture of consequence-free looting in the country. According to James, the bill has been a year in the making and was shaped by her experiences in Parliament and the stories of ordinary South Africans whose lives have been affected by corruption.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill includes several key provisions, including a lower mandatory reporting threshold for fraud and forgery by accounting officers, from R100 000 to R30 000. It also introduces stricter penalties for individuals who fail to disclose that they have been blacklisted from public procurement, with fines of up to R500 000 and a maximum prison sentence of five years.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has thrown his weight behind the bill, stating that the party is declaring a ‘year of war on corruption’. He said that the party would reveal more legislation in the coming months as part of its anti-corruption reform package.
Impact on South Africa
Corruption is a significant problem in South Africa, with estimates suggesting that between R27 billion and R100 billion is stolen annually through corrupt activities. This has a direct impact on frontline services, such as police visibility and the availability of social workers to combat drug addiction. As the Government of South Africa notes, corruption undermines the country’s development and economic growth.
The public is invited to submit written comments on the bill to Parliament before 12 April 2026. This provides an opportunity for South Africans to have their say on the bill and help shape the country’s anti-corruption laws.
- Mandatory minimum sentences for corruption offences
- Lower mandatory reporting threshold for fraud and forgery
- Stricter penalties for individuals who fail to disclose blacklisting from public procurement
