KwaZulu-Natal Treasury says it is ready to support the implementation of the nationwide initiative aimed at verifying all government employees and investigating allegations of ghost workers and payroll irregularities in the public service, as per National Treasury Instruction No. 4 of 2026/27.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance Francois Rodgers said the initiative is a critical step towards strengthening financial governance and advancing a capable and ethical State.
“This initiative reinforces accountability, improves the integrity of employee data, and ensures that public funds are used responsibly. It directly supports government’s commitment to building a capable and ethical State, whilst reducing the ever-growing salary bill in the country,” Rodgers said in a statement on Wednesday.
The National Treasury instruction introduces a structured verification process for all payroll recipients as part of broader efforts to eliminate ghost employees and improve the credibility of the public service payroll system.
Rodgers said the exercise is intended to help address longstanding allegations of ghost employees within the public service, while also generating credible evidence to support action against any identified wrongdoing.
The verification process will require affected employees to confirm their identity and employment details through an online platform, using a unique QR code provided on their payslips. The platform will open on 15 June 2026 and remain accessible for two months.
During this period, government departments are expected to assist employees who may require support to complete the verification process.
“Following this phase, identified anomalies will be subjected to further physical verification by departments,” Rodgers said.
He said KZN Treasury stands ready to support all provincial departments to ensure full compliance with the verification process.
Rodgers urged public servants to participate fully, stressing that the exercise is a standard administrative process aimed at improving the accuracy of employee records and should not be interpreted as an assumption of wrongdoing.
“The reform will strengthen oversight, promote clean governance, and ensure that resources are directed towards service delivery priorities.” – SAnews.gov.za
