Press Statement dated 7 December 2018
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has noted with encouragement the increase in the reporting of alleged corruption in the Public Service to the Public Service Commission (PSC) via the National Anti-Corruption Hotline as well as the subsequent increase in referrals for further investigations by government departments.
The Commissioners of the PSC, Selinah Nkosi and Michael Seloane, on 6 December 2018 delivered the results of the organisation’s quarterly bulletin, covering, amongst others, financial misconduct in the sector, including completed disciplinary proceedings, complaints, grievances and the maintenance of the integrity framework in the Public Service.
“The PSA is, however, concerned that the PSC has not received feedback from the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) on the 180 complaints referred by the Commission relating to fraud and the abuse of SASSA grants. Social grants are meant to assist the country’s poorest people and cases were government officials are receiving social grants when they do not qualify for them, need urgent investigation and intervention,” said PSA Deputy General Manager, Tahir Maepa.
The PSA hails the decrease in employees found guilty of financial misconduct and the increase of criminal proceedings being instituted against those who abuse taxpayers’ money. “This is a step in the right direction. Government departments, however, need to do more to ensure adherence with legislation such the Public Finance Management Act. Officials in the sector need to be held more accountable, especially in matters regarding financial mismanagement, as these have a severe impact on communities,” said Mr Maepa.
Issued by Tahir Maepa, Deputy General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)