King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in partnership with Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conducted an Anti-Fraud and Corruption Awareness Campaign.
The campaign, which took place from May 29 to May 31, 2023, aimed to raise public awareness and encourage people to support the Municipality in its fight against any illegal and unethical practice.
The awareness was offered in two set-ups, the first of which was a workshop designed to provide managers, supervisors, and union representatives with knowledge of risk management, ethics and integrity management, and fraud and corruption.
The second part was the launch of Anti – Fraud and Corruption Hotline.
The Office of Public Protector, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Directorate for Crime Prevention (HAWKS), and other stakeholders participated in the launch.
KSD Chief Operation Officer, Ms G.R. Tobia emphasized the steps that the Municipality has taken to combat fraud and corruption. These include the development of an Anti-fraud and Corruption policy, the signing of an integrity form, the introduction of anti-fraud questioners, which urge officials to report any unlawful behaviour, and the launch of an anti-fraud and corruption hotline. “The launch of this hotline seeks to hold officials of KSD Municipality accountable and promote good governance,” she said.
In support of the initiative, SALGA urged the Municipality to up its fight against fraud and corruption and close any loopholes that can open a chance for fraud.
Additionally, SIU and the Office of the Public Protector also outlined their mandates and the processes followed in dealing with fraud and corruption committed by those serving in public offices.
The Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr. Z. Gana, officially launched the anti-fraud and corruption hotline number which is 080 036 0634. He cited that fraud and corruption have a negative impact on service delivery and undermine the noble goal of improving the lives of the people, which is why this hotline was established.