Johannesburg - Employees from the public and private sectors today joined hands in the fight against corruption by signing a pledge recommitting them to blow the whistle on corruption in their workplaces.
Hundreds of employees, who attended the International Anti-Corruption Day Conference on Thursday, spoke in one voice distancing themselves from taking part in corruption, directly or indirectly.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Acting CEO, Coceko Pakade, acknowledged that his agency was known as a corruption centre, where millions were being lost through corruption and fraud, especially in social grants.
"Huge amounts of money are being invested in internal systems control, processes to ensure that we prevent corruption. This costs money and time," Pakade said, pointing out that instead of spending R12 million on social benefits, the agency spends R14 million every month due to "ghost" kids.
Human Science and Research Council (HSRC) Deputy CEO, Dr Temba Masilela, said everyone had a role to play in combating corruption and fraud, not only through education but by preventing it.
"Always carry your whistle and everytime you blow it, you are making a statement about your personal commitment to your country to fight corruption. Corruption affects all of us and costs the country millions, which would have been used to build infrastructure like schools," said Masilela.
Acting Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Social Development, Dorothy Snyman, noted that corruption was often recognised when it was too late.
"Don't let corruption kill development. We all should join forces to fight it ... Today is a step forward towards improving awareness. Employees should be vigilant for signs of corruption and report their suspicions, the whistle blowers will be protected," said Snyman.
