In a recent undertaking by Minister Thulas Nxesi to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Works, he emphasised that the stabilisation of leadership was crucial to any successful turnaround of an organisation.
The Minister was providing an update on the progress with current investigations and disciplinary processes making available specific details of these current on-going disciplinary cases regarding fraud and corruption within the Department of Public Works.
“The quiet, but relentless, work of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), appointed through a Presidential proclamation to investigate claims of corruption in the department in 2010, has uncovered detailed evidence to allow us to proceed with disciplinary processes against certain officials within the department,” said the Minister.
He stated that there are currently a high proportion of senior managers in temporary acting positions. Adding that the completion of disciplinary processes would allow the DPW to advertise and fill these senior posts within the department on a permanent basis.
Minister Nxesi pointed out that process of dealing with syndicates of corrupt officials was a slow one due to various factors. These include the destroying of evidence in the form of public records, as well as system of laws which protect the rights of individuals facing disciplinary charges, including the right to request postponements of disciplinary hearings on medical grounds.
The Minister then emphasised that the onus was on the employer to ensure that disciplinary cases against employees who have contravened policies are dealt with as speedily as possible. This, he said was the reason why he found it necessary to bring in additional legal resources to facilitate the process, including the sourcing of additional assistance from the thorough and professional forensic investigations carried out by the SIU.
“I have said before that the turnaround strategy at Public Works rests on two pillars: First, zero tolerance to corruption and that this is a non-negotiable. In this regard SIU investigations are continuing and more individuals will be charged. The second pillar of the Turnaround is the improvement of the business practices of the department.
To corrupt individuals, I want to leave you with the following thought: “You can run, but you can’t hide.” If you steal from the poor we are coming to get you,” he said.
Department of Public Works (DPW) institutes disciplinary action against corrupt officials
