Today, my office has received a final report detailing alleged fraudulent activity and misconduct perpetrated by eight current employees at the Johannesburg Theatre.
The contents of the report flow from an investigation into the authenticity of asylum permits and special work permits held by various foreign nationals, employed in the catering and hospitality sections of the theatre.
The investigation, conducted by Nexus Forensic Services, uncovered evidence showing that six asylum permits held by implicated employees were fraudulent, while two other permits were said to be have expired by early June 2016.
A case of fraud has been opened with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the arrest of those implicated, is expected soon.
All those implicated will also face disciplinary action by the City.
I have also written to the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, notifying him of the report’s contents and requesting his department take steps to detect and prevent criminal activity associated with illegally acquired immigration documents. This isn’t only a problem which affects this city.
South Africa aims to be a welcoming, safe and inclusive destination with bountiful opportunities for all. For us to realise this goal, the rule of law must be respected by all those within our borders.
Departing from the practice of the past administration, all employees of the City of Johannesburg are required to be fit for purpose, abide by the country’s laws and conduct their work in good faith – and with utmost honesty and integrity.
This recent report affirms my conviction in the value behind conducting skills audits for employees within the City, whilst strengthening our effort to hunt down fraud and corruption without fear or favour, where it had previously been allowed to flourish in the dark corners of the City.
In addition, this matter has highlighted the need to strengthen our recruitment processes in the City with stronger security vetting.
Since taking office, I have been inundated with cases alleging corruption, nepotism and fraud – lawlessness has for too long been allowed to be a part of the fabric of the City.
I am determined to ensure that corruption and wrong-doing in the City is exposed and that those found guilty of wrong-doing, face the full might of the law – and that funds lost by the City through corruption are reclaimed for the benefit of our people.
This City must create an environment that stimulates investment and job creation and ensures the fast-tracking of service delivery to our residents.
Stripping the City of corrupt employees is the first step in achieving this goal.
Johannesburg Mayor
Executive Clr Herman Mashaba
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