Mayor vows to eradicate fraud and corruption

ETHEKWINI Municipality‘s Integrity and Investigations Unit is currently investigating 840 cases of fraud and corruption. Of these, 405 cases were registered in the first quarter of the new financial year between July and September, with 465 cases carried over from the fourth quarter of the previous financial year. The unit has completed investigations into 30 matters thus far. This was revealed by Mbuso Ngcobo, head of the city’s Integrity and Investigations Unit at the launch of the city’s Anti-fraud and Corruption Campaign last week.

The launch of the campaign coincided with the start of the International Fraud Awareness Week. Speaking at the launch, Mayor Zandile Gumede reaffirmed her commitment in eradicating fraud and corruption. Gumede said corruption hindered service delivery and depletes much needed resources intended for the poor.

“Fraud and corruption are among the most serious obstacles to good governance, economic and social development,” said Gumede.

She said the City had committed resources to fighting the scourge through its Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy, which aimed to address the weaknesses and gaps in the organisation. Through this policy, the Municipality aimed to improve compliance and procedures, change attitudes of employees and the public.

As part of preventative measures, institutional mechanisms have been put in place to provide oversight of financial management and integrity of the municipality. The mechanisms include the City Integrity and Investigation Unit, the Municipal Public Accounts Committee the Municipal Finance Management Act and an independent Audit Committee.

“We need to double our efforts in order to win the war against fraud and corruption as it is also part of the war on poverty,” she said, calling on all communities and stakeholders to partner with the City in the fight against fraud and corruption.

Anyone who engages in fraudulent activities will face the full might of the law, she warned sternly. “The public must report such activities to the police and the municipal Ombudsman,” said Gumede.

Dumile Cele, Chief Executive Officer of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the Chamber would support the City in its bid to eradicate the scourge. She urged the business community to conduct their businesses with honesty and integrity.

“We will continue to partner with the City and have an ongoing co-ordinated effort to weed out crime. I believe that the public and private sectors need to set a good example to ensure sustainable economic development,” said Cele.

The public is urged to report all forms of corruption, fraud, human rights violations and discrimination to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit on 0800 202020. Complaints can be emailed to ombuds@durban.gov.za. The office is based on the 10th floor, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue (Victoria Embankment), Durban.
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