A total of 2 296 cases of alleged corruption have been reported to the national anti-corruption hotline (NACH) since its inception in September 2004, the National Anti-Corruption Forum (NACF) said on Tuesday.
These figures were presented in a statement at a meeting between business, civil society and government sectors at the South African Reserve Bank in Pretoria.
Out of the reported cases, the NACF received feedback in respect of only 830 cases, said spokesperson Clayson Monyela.
”The cases reported to the hotline led to the dismissal of 20 officials from the public service, while 17 were suspended pending finalisation of their cases.”
He said reported cases dealt mostly with abuse of government-owned vehicles, with about 168 cases reported.
Other matters reported related to allegations of fraud and procurement irregularities, such as nepotism and the inability of officials to follow proper procedures when issuing tenders.
Apart from the anti-corruption hotline, the Department of Social Development and the South African Revenue Service (Sars) have their own hotlines.
The hotline of the Department of Social Development has received more than 40 168 cases since March 2004.
The Sars hotline recorded more than 40 715 cases relating to personal income tax, import-related cases and company tax-related cases.
These, and the recent announcement by the Transparency International’s Bribe-Payers Index 2006 — which ranked South Africa 24th out of 30 countries likely to bribe foreign officials — prompted the NACF to intensify their action.
”To ensure an anti-corruption environment within the civil society and public sector, a document symbolic of business’ zero tolerance approach to corruption will therefore be put forward,” Monyela said.
He said this was in addition to the training of 263 public-sector officials by the South African management development institute to help fight corruption.
”Although members felt there has been substantial progress made, more still needs to be done.
”Business acknowledged that it is its responsibility to put in place measures to ensure accountability in the business environment.”
He said adopting these measures will provide for good governance within the business arena.
A report monitoring progress of the NACF will be discussed in depth at the organisation’s first meeting to be held in 2007.
Also, the NACF will be hosting the 2007 Global Forum on Corruption for the first time.
”The theme fulfilling our commitments — effective action against corruption — will emphasise effective implementation and application of anti-corruption measures,” Monyela said.
He said the forum will provide an opportunity for the African region to promote a common understanding of corruption and provide a collective position and response to it.
The forum was expected to be held from February 28 to March 2 2007.
Tuesday’s meeting was chaired by Minister of Public Service and Administration Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi.
Also present were members of the South African National Editors’ Forum. — Sapa