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The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) supports the establishment of a special unit to deal with fraud and corruption in the public service.

SACCI believes that the administration of discipline in the public service and the implementation of suspensions is often prolonged. The fact that suspended individuals get full pay provides compelling reasons for them to delay disciplinary hearings and for disciplinary proceedings to be protracted for unreasonable periods of time.

It is equally concerning that, according to reports, nearly 1 000 police officials ¬convicted of fraud escaped being dismissed ¬because the public service ¬commission felt that the impact of "firing huge numbers of people" would be too great.

SACCI is of the view that all persons, whether in the public or private sector, should at all times act with integrity and honesty and in manner that serves the interests of business and investor confidence, job creation and growth.

SACCI trusts that the unit will be independent and be sufficiently empowered in its investigations and prosecutions. SACCI looks forward to receiving further details on the unit. Such initiatives clearly indicate a commitment to "Put South Africa First".