17 March 2000
The President, in his address at the opening of Parliament on the 5 February 2000 stated that part of the objectives of government were to:
In keeping with these objectives the Ministers of Correctional Services, Mr Ben Skosana and Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption and mis-management at the Department of Correctional Services.
An investigating team, led by Mr Robinson Ramaite, Director General of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) this week began a two-month investigation into allegations of corruption at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
This investigation follows a management audit concluded earlier this month. The investigating team involves specialists from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), members of the National Directorate of Public Prosecution and a group of forensic auditors and lawyers. The Investigation will look into allegations of corruption, bribery, mal-administration and sexual harassment at DCS. Investigators will first conduct discussions with selected staff members at head office, senior managers in the Provinces and heads of Prisons.
Reported allegations will then be scrutinised and investigation will search for proof of allegations. If irregular activity has been found investigators will recommend that staff members be disciplined. This may include suspensions pending further investigations. Transgressions of a criminal nature will be referred to the relevant authorities.
Mr Ramaite said: 'The Management Audit done at the Department of Correctional Services reflects that the majority of staff at that Department is honourable and hard working." He added that the investigation was to root out key corrupt officials and is not meant as an indictment on the whole department. Mr Ramaite has called on employees at Correctional Services to assist the investigators: "All information is treated with the strictest confidence and staff members will be protected against any possible intimidation or victimisation", said Ramaite. The investigating team can be reached on the following numbers: 082 858 0617, 082 858 0658, 082 858 0662, 082 858 0674, or toll free on 0800 005626 or e-mail dcs@dpsa.pwv.gov.za
For media enquiries Media Contact: Collen Msibi: 012-314 7250
or 082 903 0343
ISSUED BY the GCIS for Robinson Ramaite, Director-General for the Department of Public Service and Administration.