Pretoria - A Special Anti-Corruption Unit has been launched by government to investigate officials with undeclared business interests.
The unit forms part of a broader anti-corruption strategy for the public service which seeks to improve lines to report wrong-doing, as well as to protect whistleblowers and witnesses.
Launching the unit in Johannesburg on Thursday, Public Service and Administration Minister, Richard Baloyi, explained the unit will investigate officials doing business with government without disclosing their business interests, officials performing remunerative work outside the public service without permission and officials who solicit bribes in return for performing or not performing official duties as well as those receiving grants or benefits unlawfully.
"To effectively execute its functions, the unit has been divided into three divisions, the investigation, legal and disciplinary and strategic information management division," said the minister.
He added that the new unit will operate in collaboration with existing institutions such as the Special Investigative Unit, the Auditor General, the Public Service Commission and National Treasury.
The unit will conduct, facilitate and coordinate the investigation of high profile cases and where necessary, refer investigation outcomes for corrective action to relevant authorities. It will also be responsible for conducting, coordinating and facilitating the management of disciplinary proceedings for high profile cases.
Added to this, the department has decided to screen all senior managers prior to their hiring to see if they have any conflicting business interests.
"Our stance is zero tolerance on corruption. We give priority in fighting corruption in the public service," said Baloyi, adding that the establishment of the unit would in turn lead to a more efficient public service.
Responding to a question on anti-corruption units established in the provinces, Baloyi said the provincial units will work hand in hand with the new unit.
Last month, the Public Service Commission recommended the establishment of an anti-corruption unit in the public service because a lack of coordination, non-compliance and integration was hampering the effective rooting out of corruption in government departments.
