Gauteng puts measures in place to eliminate corruption

Gauteng’s health department has been embroiled in allegations of health tender fraud.

After investigating dodgy tender deals related to government spending on personal protection equipment (PPE) in 2020, the SIU reported that the province had the highest reported cases of PPE tender fraud of all provinces. Gauteng Premier, David Makhura said his government is concerned with the high number of cases concerning the Gauteng Department of Health that are under investigation. There are currently 70 allegations under investigation and nine officials have been placed on a precautionary suspension. He said the province learned hard lessons out of this and has resolved to strengthen its prevention, detection, investigation and resolution of procedures to maintain clean governance. The province has requested National Treasury to check for loopholes.

This is not because it has found weaknesses in Treasury’s internal systems but rather because it realises it needs to stay ahead of the game if it is to defeat corruption. Makhura revealed that both he and his MECs were participating in the final phase of lifestyle audits and that the Gauteng Executive Council was the first to have undergone these audits in the country.

Speaking at the province’s recent State of the Province Address (SOPA) Makhura said a key priority for his government is building a capable and ethical developmental state.

“A strong ethical culture is the foundation of clean governance. This is created through institutionalising ethics and ethical leadership in government and society,” said Makhura.

In collaboration with the Gauteng Ethics Advisory Council, a civil society-led formation; the Special Investigation Unit; The Public Service Commission; The Public Protector;

The Auditor General’s Office and the South African Human Rights Commission, the province is putting a number of initiatives in place to institutionalise integrity as well as prevent, detect, investigate and resolve criminal acts within the civil service. Makhura pointed out that Gauteng has championed tender reform by introducing an open tender system.

The province also requires that all tenders above R10 million must undergo a fraud detection review. The province also has made an integrity pact with all service providers who do business with the government.

The introduction of an e-procurement system is also expected to reduce fraud and corruption. The premier said the province will continue to focus on promoting a responsive, accountable, effective and efficient public service, building ethical governance and eliminating corruption.