G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting Concludes in South Africa, Emphasizing Collective Global Efforts

The G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial meeting successfully concluded on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The gathering brought together ministers and delegates from G20 nations to reinforce global commitments against corruption, a critical challenge undermining development, economic stability, and public trust. South Africa, holding the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, hosted the meeting as part of its broader agenda to advance inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Minister Buthelezi's Call for Collective Action

Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, South Africa's Public Service and Administration Minister, delivered a key address at the conclusion of the meeting. He underscored that 'collective anti-corruption efforts and commitments are not merely a moral imperative, they are a cornerstone of global peace, stability, and sustainable development'. Minister Buthelezi emphasized that corruption erodes public trust, deepens inequality, and threatens the fabric of peace in an uncertain world. He also highlighted the crucial role of an engaged citizenry, stating that empowered, informed, and engaged citizens are the most effective deterrent against corruption.

Key Priorities of South Africa's G20 Presidency

Under South Africa's G20 Presidency, the Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) focused on four key priorities outlined in the 2025-2027 ACWG Action Plan:

• Strengthening the public sector by promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability.
• Increasing the efficiency of asset recovery measures.
• Enhancing and mobilizing the inclusive participation of the public sector, private sector, civil society, and academia to prevent and combat corruption.
• Enhancing whistle-blower protection mechanisms.

These priorities aim to build robust legislation and harmonize national laws with international standards to restore public confidence in justice systems.

Broader Participation and Outcomes

The Ministerial meeting was preceded by the 3rd G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) Technical Meeting, held from October 27 to 29, 2025, at the same location. Other notable speakers included Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, who urged G20 nations to strengthen public institutions, and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, who addressed delegates on the importance of whistleblower protection and the newly signed United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. The ACWG, established in 2010 and guided by the St. Petersburg Strategic Framework of 2013, serves as a vital platform for collaboration among member states to strengthen international anti-corruption efforts. The outcomes of this meeting will contribute to the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg.