ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS & REPORTERS

Media Advisory  

For immediate release

Monday, 01 September 2025

Corruption and fraud continue to erode South Africa’s democracy, economy, and social fabric. In response, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is amplifying its voice in the fight against these challenges by mobilising active citizenry. From 3 to 5 September 2025, UJ’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) will host the second annual Combating Corruption Summit at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

Anchored in UJ’s Strategic Plan 2035 values of Impact, Integrity, Innovation, and Inclusivity, the summit will bring together leaders from business, civil society, law enforcement, government, and academia. Delegates will engage on the impact of fraud and corruption in South Africa and co-develop strategies to build a more transparent and accountable society.

Among the keynote speakers expected are Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson; Auditor General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke; Sygnia Limited CEO, Magda Wierzycka; Compliance & Ethics Officer at SNG Grant Thornton and former SARS Head of Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions, Ronel van Wyk; Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka; Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber; and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.

Says UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: “Tackling corruption requires more than policies and enforcement, it demands active citizen participation and collaboration across all sectors. By working collectively, we strengthen accountability, deepen public trust, and ensure that every citizen has a role in building a transparent and just society.”

“Corruption is not just a crime it’s a crisis, but what if we could be the transformative step towards change?” These are the words from UJ’s General Counsel, Dries Pretorius. The Combating Corruption Summit is where bold ideas will meet action, and integrity will take centre stage. From whistleblowers to watchdogs, from blockchain pioneers to policy reformers, UJ will bring together the brightest minds and the bravest voices. It’s time to face corruption head-on, share tools that stop it and to compile and sign a pledge to show a united stance against fraud and corruption.

Civil society formations and businesses participating in the summit include the South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN), the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), Sasol, Good Governance Africa (GGA), LUCIDUM, The Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP) Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP), ENS, CDH, Webber Wentzel, Legal Interact, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)  the University’s Department of Sociology, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Eversheds Sutherland, SS-Consulting, IRS Forensic Investigations and the Whistleblower House but to name a few. Their presence demonstrates the broad coalition needed to tackle corruption from multiple angles.

During the summit, attendees will sign the UJ Anti-Corruption Pledge, committing themselves to take active steps in fighting corruption. This pledge underscores UJ’s commitment to making a tangible difference in society.

Summit details

• When: 3–5 September 2025
• Where: Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, University of Johannesburg, Corner of Kingsway Ave and University Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
• Format: Hybrid (link available upon request)

ENDS.

Note to the media: Members of the media are invited to attend the summit. Please RSVP to Masego Panyane at 084 067 7528 or masegop@uj.ac.za  by midday, 2 September 2025. RSVPs are essential as no walk ins will be accepted.   The programme of the summit is attached.

Issued by:
Masego Panyane
Media Liaison
masegop@uj.ac.za
011 559 1571
084 067 7528