Ethekwini: A multipronged approach to curb fraud and corruption and create clean, accountable governance is central to winning the fight against unethical practices. This was the key message at the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Seminar held recently at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
According to South African Government News Agency, the seminar is part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention strategies and close loopholes exploited by unethical individuals. EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, stated that corruption remains the biggest challenge facing local government, depriving communities of essential resources and undermining service delivery. He commended the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate for its efforts to strengthen internal controls and promote ethical conduct.
‘Civil claims must be implemented to recover money equivalent to the crime committed. We must strengthen collaboration between government, civil society, law enforcement agencies, and professional bodies,’ Xaba said. He also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital monitoring tools in detecting irregularities early and enhancing transparency. Community engagement, he added, is essential to educate residents on the damaging impact of fraud and corruption.
During the seminar, fraud statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year were presented, including seventeen criminal cases registered with law enforcement, with eleven currently before the courts. Nine entities have been blacklisted and barred from doing business with the municipality. Additionally, fifteen cases have been recommended for recovery, amounting to R35 million, and eighty-one cases where consequence management was implemented. Diesel theft and other resource-related crimes remain prevalent.
Advocate Bulelwa Vimbani-Shuma from the National Prosecuting Authority’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit emphasized the importance of strong systems to protect whistleblowers. ‘Ongoing community education is crucial to create understanding of the effects of fraud and corruption, as it impedes service delivery,’ she said. Jimmy Ngcobo, Director of the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate, reaffirmed the city’s zero-tolerance approach. ‘We meet monthly to track prosecution progress. We cannot allow criminals to tarnish the image of the Municipality,’ said Ngcobo.
Residents are urged to report any form of fraud or corruption within the Municipality to 0800 202 020, 031 311 4002, or email [email protected].