24-10-2012: The launch of the City of Joburg anti-corruption campaign
The City of Johannesburg is committed on mapping out strategies for an efficient, effective, inclusive and responsive local government towards delivery of services to communities.
The City recognises the importance of sound governance practices which support the attainment of long term objectives and goals set out in the Joburg 2040 strategy which defines…: Johannesburg – as a world-class African City of the future; a vibrant, equitable African city, strengthened through its diversity; a city that provides real quality of life; a city that provides sustainability for all its citizens; a resilient and adaptive society.
Through this initiative, Johannesburg is one of the leading lights in the country’s local government, by clearly defining guidelines for the residents to assist in the fight against corruption, fraud and bribes across all its departments and entities.
It is in the context of good governance and accountable administration that the City continues to initiate, encourage and welcome constructive engagements from various stakeholders.
In pursuit of these goals, the City of Johannesburg is today announcing wide-ranging measures to combat corruption throughout its departments and Municipal Entities, to counter public perceptions of endemic bribery and extortion.
It is accepted that any form of fraud, theft and/or corruption, may result in financial loss. Therefore, the solicitation and illegal payment of bribes to City officials has a negative impact on financial resources. In fact, fraud and corruption has been identified as one of the top strategic risks which can delay and increase the cost of service delivery in the City.
The following measures are being implemented in City departments and Municipal Entities:
• Launch of new mechanisms to facilitate whistle-blowing on corruption, which includes a 24-hour 24/7 toll-free hotline (0800 00 25 87) in all 11 official languages and an e-mail: (
[email protected]) as well as an SMS line charged at a minimal R1.50c (32840) managed by a prominent independent forensic company. This company will work together with the City’s Johannesburg Group Risk Assurance Services (JRAS).
• Assurance that the identity of whistle blowers will always be kept confidential. To this end, an appeal is being made to those who report incidents of corruption, fraud and bribes, to be as detailed as possible, in order to ensure that culprits do not escape action against them.
• Carrying out of an investigation strategy and organisational structure agreed between the Johannesburg Group Audit Assurance and the forensic company, to ensure thorough and objective investigative processes into alleged irregularities;
• Introduction of ICT technology to detect fraud and assist with investigations;
• Machinery to communicate outcomes of investigations and disciplinary procedures in co-operation with some of our partners in the fight against corruption;
• Deepening of understanding of the City-wide policies and procedures to discourage the acceptance of gifts or benefits from external parties
MOST RECENT STEPS TAKEN TO COMBAT CORRUPTION
The City has been working together with independent organised community groups who include, among others: the Corruption Watch, Chapter Nine Institutions, Faith-based groups, non-governmental organisations and stakeholders who provide services to the city.
On another level, the city has started a formal relationship with forensic companies who have forged a formal working relationship with our Johannesburg Group Risk Assurance unit (JRAS) and the South African Police Services Commercials Crime Unit and the Hawks.
In fact, considerable progress in a number of alleged corruption cases has been made. In these cases, staff members and members of the public found to have participated in activities of alleged fraud were suspended and reported to the police for further legal action to be taken against them.
Basic challenges
The City is establishing an Anti-Corruption Advisory Panel in terms of the Municipal systems Act. Its terms of reference have been adopted in terms of the legal framework and best international practice. This Panel will work or collaborate with Chapter Nine Institutions and various groups of civil society such as, the NGOs, organised business and labour groups and other anti-corruption institutions.
On the City’s side, the Panel will work together with existing independent governance oversight committees such as the Group Audit Committee, the Group Risk Committee and Ethics Committees.
The scope and responsibilities of the panel as well as a call for public nominations of candidates will be published in the media within the next few weeks. It is envisaged that appointment of suitable candidates will be finalised early next year.
The City has taken all possible measures to set the foundation from which to steer our ship in the new direction promised when the present leadership took office.
The City Manager will then take us through some of details to enlighten us on how we will be work together with our stakeholders in the fight to root out any corruption, fraud and bribes identified in our work environment.
Before I stand down, I want to acknowledge the achievements made so far in this challenging task. This has been a collective effort. It included stakeholders who interact with the City on on-going basis, the political executive teams, administrative managers and employees in general. We have no doubt that the task ahead is not going to be easy. We, however, continue to be inspired by many contributions made by all, especially our residents to whom we commit to continue to give all we can to provide a good service.
We are mindful of the challenges that still confront us – but also equally excited and inspired by the opportunities that wait upon us in this vibrant and energetic City. Ours is to do our best to serve our residents and ensure that they play an important role in all our efforts to improve the quality of life in the City of Johannesburg – a world class African city.
Issued by:
Gabu Tugwana
Director: Communications
Group Communications and Tourism
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 7163
Cell: 082 495 5673
