In an effort to vigorously confront fraud, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will join other organizations globally to promote anti-fraud awareness and education. The Department’s Internal Audit Chief Directorate will embark on a Fraud Awareness Campaign from the 15th to the 21st of November 2020. The campaign will include numerous activities meant to conscientise officials about fraud related issues.  

During the week, officials will be educated on what constitutes fraud and corruption, and how to identify indicators of such activities. They will also learn how to implement internal controls that will prevent, detect and combat various exposures to fraud.

Ms Emilize Nezar, the Chief Director of Internal Audit, is pleading with officials to inform line managers about acts of fraud and corruption. “The Department has adopted a zero tolerance stance towards fraud and corruption; therefore all officials are urged to play a role and support every initiative that the Department takes to fight fraud and corruption” said Emilize. 

During the 2019/2020 financial year, financial irregularities amounting to R 3 billion was investigated. The pro-active work carried out by the Internal Audit Unit also averted irregular expenditure to the amount of R 1, 360 billion.  During the 2020/2021 financial year, the same efforts also averted irregular expenditure amounting to R 250 million. 

As an on-going determination to fight fraud and corruption, the Directorate of Forensic Audit & Quality Assurance held 22 fraud awareness sessions with 900 officials in attendance from various Directorates within the Department. The unit also concluded 42 investigations during the 2019/2020 financial year. 

The public and other government officials are urged to report fraud and corruption activities to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) which is hosted by the Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC) by calling 0800 701 701 toll free number. 

 

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation