IMPROVING THE PUBLIC SERVICE SERIOUS ABOUT ROOTING OUT CORRUPTION

An anti-corruption inter-ministerial committee has been set up to fight corruption in the Public Service. The committee, which is made up of ministers from different government departments is proof of government's commitment to rooting out corruption.

Strengthening the fight against corruption is one of the new administration's major tasks. A number of reports have shown that many incidents of corruption in different sectors of the Public Service have been taking place.

Government views corruption in the Public Service as a very serious offence as it damages our country's standing in the world. It can also damage our economy, because foreign investors do not want to invest in a country where corruption is widespread.

Committee

The setting up of an inter-ministerial committee follows an undertaking by the new administration to stamp out corruption. The Minister in the Presidency, Mr Collins Chabane, will chair the committee.

Members will include the ministers of Public Service and Administration, Finance, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Social Development. It will also include representatives from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster.

They will study reports and recommendations on corruption issued by the Public Service Commission, as well as other bodies.

The committee will ensure that action is taken against all persons who are involved in corrupt practices involving public finances.

However, government also realises that for corruption to take place in the public service, there are companies in the private sector who pay bribes to public officials.

Private sector

In this regard, government has warned all private sector companies that are involved in corrupt practices like paying bribes to public officials, that action will be taken against them.

A stern warning was also given to civil servants that 'strong action' would be taken against those guilty of corruption. The committee wants to make sure that action is taken to deal with corrupt practices and that those responsible for corruption are charged.

It aims to improve perceptions about the Public Service and to restore the confidence of the people in the Public Service.

Tough action

By taking tough action against those involved in corruption, government is committing itself to act upon promises made to the people to root out corruption.

- Mbulelo Baloyi