Issued by: GCIS
The Department of Justice, working in conjunction with the Special Investigative Unit and the Department of Public Works, has uncovered an abuse of various delegated powers that in some circumstances may give rise to disciplinary action and or constitute corruption.
DAY-TO-DAY MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Day-to-day maintenance services consist of all minor and menial repair services, which are essential for the proper everyday functioning and administration of an office. The calculated value of these services may not exceed an amount of R3000 per repair. Complete control and application of the day-to-day maintenance delegation vests with the heads of each office in the Department. The management of this delegation and its financial implications is the responsibility of these officials.
ISOLATED INCIDENTS OF ABUSE AND THE INCREASE IN ITS FREQUENCY
Isolated incidents of abuse were brought to the attention of the Department since November 1997. The appropriate action to prevent further abuse at these offices was duly taken by the Department. However, the Department received further reports during 1998 of these irregularities. It then became apparent that the scope of the abuse may not be limited to only a few offices. This prompted the Department of Justice to investigate the matter and take the necessary action.
ACTION TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
During August 1998, the heads of all offices were requested to submit complete and acurate assessments accompanied by motivations for all service requirements effected in terms of the day-to-day maintenance delegation, for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 July 1998. They were also asked to refrain from utilising the delegation for anything other than its intended purpose and warned that they would be held accountable for any unauthorised expenditure incurred in this respect.
It was only after receipt of the requested information that the full extent of abuse was realised. The maintenance delegation was then withdrawn with effect from 17 August 1998. The matter was reported to the Department of Public Works on 27 August 1998 and a task team was appointed on 9 October 1998 to investigate the incidence of these irregularities. The task team comprised officials from both the Departments of Justice and Public Works. The Department also requested the Heath Special Investigation Unit into Fraud and Corruption, to assist.
Members of the task team have thus far investigated five of the nine provinces (Northern, North West, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape Province). Investigations in the Gauteng, Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces are still to be effected.
AMONGST THE FINDINGS THUS FAR ARE:
An estimated expenditure of R54 911 745,86 is being investigated. 144 magistrates offices have allegedly abused the delegation either marginally or substantially, ranging from R6 700,00 to R4 958 366,29 per individual centre. The provision of features such as lapas, remote control gates, car ports, etc. by the contractors at office buildings and/or official residences is evident.
Most of the services provided by the contractors do not adhere to the service standards of the Department of Public works. The use of inferior and sub-standard service parts and materials is evident.
Certain offices and/or personnel are alleged to have received benefits from the contractors, subsequent to completion of services rendered at these centres.
The task team is continuing its investigations into the other provinces.
ISSUED BY THE CHIEF DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
4 MARCH 1999
PRETORIA
ENQUIRIES: Andre Louw tel: 082 466 5430
Casper Badenhorst tel: (012) 315 1521