City host seminar to weed out corruption
The scourge of fraud and corruption can only be eliminated through the cooperation of stakeholders – this was the sentiment shared at the seminar.
AS part of the annual International Fraud and Awareness Week from November 13–19, the eThekwini Municipality hosted a Fraud and Corruption Awareness Seminar on November 17 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
The seminar was hosted by the City Integrity and Investigations Unit (CIIU) in partnership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
In a statement, the municipality said the CIIU assisted in them recovering about R12m from fraudulent transactions in the 2020/2021 financial year. The municipality went on to say that 18 companies were blacklisted because of fraud and corruption during the 2021/22 financial year, which also saw 49 officials who were under investigation for fraud and corruption resign.
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Head of the CIIU Mbuso Ngcobo said 118 CIIU cases are under consequence management, and 21 criminal cases are registered with law enforcement agencies as of October 2022.
Ngcobo added that the City will continue to develop and implement strategies to promote good ethics and anti-fraud and anti-corruption programmes in the municipality.
“We are making strides in this regard. For example, five employees have been found guilty of corrupt activities. In addition, we are currently investigating cases of jobs for sale, nepotism, and jobs in return for favours. Several arrests have been made,” said Ngcobo.
The City’s chief financial officer, Dr Sandile Mnguni, said consequence management is key to eliminating corruption.
“Corruption eats into funds earmarked for service delivery and perpetuates poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” said Dr Mnguni.
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KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Public Protector Advocate Mlandeli Nkosi said their office is accessible for the public to report fraud or corruption.
“We investigate conduct in any sphere of government that is alleged to be improper and results in any impropriety or prejudice. Citizens must report without any fear or favour,” said Advocate Nkosi.
National Prosecuting Authority deputy director, Advocate Bheki Manyathi, warned those contemplating committing fraud and corruption that they will be arrested. “The tide has turned; people found guilty will be held accountable,” said Advocate Manyathi.
Residents are encouraged to report incidents of unethical conduct and maladministration which relate to the municipality to the CIIU on 0800 20 20 20 (toll free) or 031 311 4002. Alternatively, they can email Ombuds@durban.gov.za.
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