Question

an article about warning people about corruption and fraud

Answer 1

Fraud And Corruption In The Economic Development Department (Edd)

Economic Development Department is committed to the fight against Fraud and Corruption. Fraud represents a significant potential risk to the Economic Development Department assets, service delivery efficiency and reputation. Economic Development Department will not tolerate corrupt or fraudulent activities, whether internal or external to the department, and will vigorously pursue and prosecute any parties, by all legal means available, which engage in such practices or attempt to do so.

Definitions Of Fraud And Corruption

Fraud is defined in South African law as “the unlawful and intentional making of a misrepresentation which causes actual and or potential prejudice to another”. 
Corruption is defined as “the misuse of entrusted power for private gain”.

Dimensions Of Corruption

Corruption takes various forms in the public service and elsewhere in society. The following are different types of actions that may be related to corruption: Bribery; Embezzlement; Conflict of interest; Abuse of privileged information; Favouritism; and Nepotism, etc.

Responsibilities For Fraud And Corruption

Economic Development Department is responsible to ensure that proper controls are in place to prevent and detect fraudulent and irregular activities. All employees of the department should be aware of the fraud indicators and report suspected acts of fraud and corruption through appropriate channels as outlined in the Economic Development Department Fraud and Corruption Prevention Strategy and Plan. All employees are required to subscribe and conduct themselves according to the Code of conduct and Code of ethics as developed by the Public Service Commission.

Values Cherished By The Economic Development Department

The EDD promotes the Constitution, with special reference to the chapters on human rights, cooperative governance and public administration, including these key basic values and principles governing public administration (section 195(1)). EDD upholds the following values:

Promotion of decent work for all citizens (opportunity to work and quality of employment);Social partnership and dialogue;Equity and development; andSustainability (environment, social and economic).Measures Developed By Economic Development Department Management To Prevent And Detect Fraud And Corruption

Economic Development Department Fraud Prevention Strategy and Plan
Economic Development Department has developed a Fraud Prevention Strategy and Plan which details procedures to be followed in the fight against fraud and corruption, and set out the plan on how to reduce fraud and corruption within its ranks.

The Role Of Risk Management:

Economic Development Department has established the Risk Management Unit, placed under the Chief Directorate Office of the Director-General to facilitate fraud prevention strategies. The Risk Management will engage in several strategies, such as awareness campaigns, to reduce fraud and corruption risks and to ensure that the department is perceived as ethical in all its dealings with the public and other interest parties.

What Will Happen If Fraud Or Corruption Is Detected?

In the event that fraud and corruption is detected or suspected, investigations will be initiated internally or referred to the SAPS or other law enforcement agencies, and if warranted, disciplinary proceedings, prosecution or action aimed at the recovery of losses will be initiated.

What To Do If You Witness Fraud And Corruption?

The Economic Development Department subscribes to the Public Service Commission’s National Anti-Corruption Hotline, and members of the public and Economic Development Department employees, are encouraged to report allegations of fraud and corruption to the contact details provided below.