Minister of Provincial and Local Government Sydney Mufamadi has urged members of the public to become active whistle-blowers in a bid to root out corruption.
He was speaking at the launch of the local government anti-corruption strategy in Midrand on Monday.
”Strong, sustainable relations with communities are important to deter unethical conduct, fraud and corruption in local government.”
The new strategy is aimed at ensuring that communities are empowered in knowing their rights, especially when they are denied their basic needs due to corrupt officials.
Through the new strategy, members of the public, and even some employees within local governments, will be able to report fraudulent or corrupt activities without fear of being victimised.
”This will encourage transparency and make elected representatives and appointed officers accountable to communities they serve,” Mufamadi said.
”It will also encourage a culture within the local sphere of governments where all employees and members of the public continuously behave with and promote integrity within their municipalities.”
To achieve this, members of the public are encouraged to actively participate in decision-making processes pertaining to development in their areas.
Just before Mufamadi spoke, the deputy chairperson of the South African Local Government Association, Hazel Jenkins, said mayors were obliged to be credible and loyal to ensure that the integrity and credibility of municipalities is not compromised. — Sapa