Mogogelo — South Africa will commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day this weekend, as part of the country's efforts to root out fraud and corruption.

Minister of Public Service and Administration, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi and North West Premier Edna Molewa will mark the day on Sunday at Mogogelo village in the North West.

Minister Fraser-Moleketi will deliver the keynote address at the ceremony.

This is the first time ever that such a commemoration will take place in the North West and this should be seen as a signal of the North West Provincial Government's commitment to resolve and intensify the fight against corrupt activities within government, while providing support to the Anti-Corruption Forum for the sterling work that they are doing.

The day is celebrated by countries which are signatories to the United Nations (UN) Convention Against Corruption.

In terms of the agreement, the international community recognises that the effective against corruption and fraud is the responsibility of all governments worldwide and the North West Provincial Government is no exception.

The UN Convention Against Corruption is one of the legally binding global anti-corruption agreements, which marks a historic milestone in the world's fight against the global scourge of corruption.

In September, the North West cabinet announced plans to establish a Provincial Anti-Corruption Forum which will also be comprised of the municipal structures, community and business.

Provincial government spokesperson Cornelius Monama at the time said consultations with the business sector and civil society have been held as part of government's commitment to launch a united offensive against corruption both within and outside government.

"An anti-corruption strategy and implementation plan are in the process of being developed and will be unveiled at the public launch," he said.

At its recent meeting, the cabinet emphasised the need for a more inclusive process leading up the official launch and it also decided to make Premier Edna Molewa the patron of the forum.

The forum will look at contributing towards the establishment of a national consensus through the co-ordination of sectoral strategies against corruption and it will also advise government on national initiatives on the implementation of strategies to combat corruption.