Corruption must be fought in both the private and public sectors, President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.

"Our manifesto shows that we are serious about fighting corruption, both in the public and private sectors, as well as with good governance," Zuma said in a speech prepared for delivery at a manifesto dinner at the Voortrekker monument in Pretoria.

"This is why among others we plan to further close the leakages in our procurement processes. We want to stop public servants from being involved in business with government."

Zuma said he was honoured to interact with members of the Afrikaner community.

"Coming just about two weeks before the national elections, this occasion is very important in a sense that people are keen to know where the country is going, and rightfully so.

"We meet just a few days before the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy. It is an occasion where we reflect deeply on our transition from apartheid to an inclusive democracy, which has been internationally acclaimed."

He said all South Africans must celebrate Freedom day, on April 27, and realise that what united the country was much stronger than what sought to divide it.

"We are one unique nation in Africa, made up of diverse people who are united by their love for their country and the desire for it to succeed.

"We thank many people from the Afrikaner community who over many years cherished and believed in a democratic and equal society and inspired others to follow."

He said poverty, unemployment and inequality affected all South Africans, which is why it was a top priority.

During interactions with residents in Pretoria West, Zuma said he realised that there was poverty within Afrikaner communities.

He said the area would be assisted as other poor communities were, without being racially discriminated against.

"We have gone far in building our country together. We must continue working together to build a South Africa where all of us will feel at home, comfortable and safe.

"We look forward to the continued contribution of the Afrikaner community to building South Africa and to the success of the country."