‘Take action against corruption’

HONESTY, integrity, personal accountability and a communal effort are key to stamping out corruption in the Northern Cape, with Premier Sylvia Lucas calling on both law enforcement and the general public to speak out against white collar crime.

The premier was speaking at a stakeholders engagement forum of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) in Kimberley yesterday morning.

The SIU conducts forensic investigations into maladministration and malpractice in order to protect the public interest and reverse the scourge of corruption in society.

Through partnerships with public and private enterprises, along with various stakeholders in law enforcement, the unit’s ultimate goal is to uncover and address unlawful practices through forensic investigations and civil litigation, while also assisting in various other related processes, including developing and maintaining strategic partner relations.

In her keynote address at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, Lucas defined corruption, malpractice and maladministration as the subversion of public interest and the common good by private interests and she called on her audience and the general public to take action. “Such offences result from the abuse of power for illegitimate or illegal gain or profit, or the failure to maintain proper controls.”

“Within the context of our apartheid legacy, we all have the collective responsibility to restore a genuine public service ethos, work ethic and maintain impeccable discipline in the ranks of public sector employees. In turn, the public has a responsibility to take the necessary action wherever and whenever corruption manifests itself ... no matter who the perpetrator is.”