Siphelele Nketo
AS part of its anti-corruption drive, the Greater Kokstad Municipality held a workshop on Tuesday, March 31, to enhance employees and promote ethical behaviour.
The municipality said it wants to safeguard public resources while building an institution that reflects the values of honesty, accountability and excellence.
Municipal manager Sipho Zwane said that the workshop was to alert municipal employees that being involved in unethical behaviour would result in harsh consequences. He cautioned municipal officials not to be tempted to get involved in corrupt activities.
This was not the first time the municipality took a stand against fraud and corruption. In June 2024, the municipality launched an ethics, anti-fraud and corruption hotline to be utilised by members of the public to report anonymously any suspected fraudulent activities.
However, according to Mayor Lwanda Madikizela, the municipality opted to utilise the national anti-fraud and corruption hotline where people can be free to report.
Madikizela acknowledged cases being probed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), saying that municipal employees involved in unethical behaviour paint a bad picture of the municipality.
He said ethical governance is not an abstract principle but a foundation upon which effective service delivery is built.
“When fraud and corruption take root they not only violate the law, but rob our communities of opportunities, delay progress, and erode the dignity of our people. That is why, as a municipality, we have adopted a firm zero-tolerance stance against all forms of wrongdoing,” he stated.
To ensure the commitment is actively enforced, Madikizela said that the municipal council has strengthened oversight mechanisms, particularly through the Municipal Public Accounts Committee. He said the structure serves as the watchdog of the council, interrogating financial reports, investigating irregularities and ensuring consequence management where wrongdoing is identified.
Madikizela added that the success of anti-fraud systems depends on internal controls and the active involvement of communities.
He appealed to residents to partner with the municipality in the fight against fraud and corruption.
“If you witness or suspect any form of wrongdoing, I urge you to report it through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701. This platform allows for anonymous reporting, ensuring that you can speak out without fear,” he said.
Joining the workshop were representatives from the Hawks, SIU and the office of the premier in KwaZulu-Natal.
