The City would like to remind staff of its channels for reporting fraud and corruption, following the launch of a National Whistle-Blowing campaign this week.
A ‘whistle-blower’ is an employee who reports or ‘blows the whistle’ on corruption, fraud and other irregular conduct. Whistle-blowers are protected by legislation in the form of the Protected Disclosures Act, No. 26 of 2000, as long as the report or disclosure that they make complies with certain requirements.
The City’s own Whistle-blowing Policy is aimed at promoting a culture in which employees feel able to raise genuine and valid concerns without fear of victimisation, discrimination or disadvantage. In terms of the policy, every employee has a responsibility to disclose any criminal or other irregular conduct in the workplace. This is in line with the City’s commitment to the highest standards of openness, integrity and accountability.
Nationally, corruption and fraud costs South Africans over R100 billion each year. The public are therefore also urged to become involved and report any instances of suspected fraud or corruption involving City officials.
Any member of staff and the public, including residents, suppliers, companies and external parties can call the City’s toll-free anti-corruption hotline on 0800 32 31 30 to report suspected corruption – anonymously or otherwise. This hotline has greatly assisted the City in rooting out corruption in the past.
Most fraudulent acts involve a number of parties. The hotline’s slogan: ‘Resist, Refuse, and Report’ seeks to encourage any person who is aware of corruption to speak up and stop the cycle.
