Understanding (MOU) with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU)
5 April 2007
On behalf of the North West Provincial Government, I am pleased to be
signing this historic Memorandum of Understanding with the Special
Investigating Unit represented by Willie Hofmeyer in April 2007.
Last year September when we announced that the transfer of the function of
the Forensic Investigations to the office of the Premier, we indicated that the
Unit will collaborate with the Special Investigating Unit, a state organ
established through an Act of parliament to investigate serious malpractices
relating to state assets and public money. The role of the Special
Investigating Unit is to work with government to root out corruption and
initiate investigations where necessary.
The memorandum we are signing today strengthens the relationship thereof and
it entails the following:
* assigning of officials to assist with investigations
* ensure that the SIU have prompt and full access to the department's premises,
information, equipment, systems and resources
* avail departmental employees for interviews that will assist with
investigations
* allow the SIU members to enter and search any premise under the control of
the Provincial Government
* take reasonable steps to ensure that all information required by the SIU for
the investigation, is accurate and complete when provided to the SIU
* both institutions will implement systematic improvements; institute civil,
criminal and/or disciplinary proceedings or cause such proceedings to be
instituted as may be recommended by the SIU
* the North West Government will ensure the maintenance of strict
confidentiality concerning any information that may come to its notice
concerning the SIU's investigations
* the provincial Government will do everything within its power and available
resources to mitigate the costs to the SIU
* the provincial Government will ensure the co-operation and interaction of the
different provincial departments and shall do everything within its power to
assist the SIU with any difficulties experienced in this regard.
Our approach to corruption must be guided by the principle of zero
tolerance. This practically means that in our vocabulary there shall be no such
things as "small fraud," because what may appear as small fraud could be "big
fraud detected early."
Diversion of resources from their intended purposes distorts the formulation
of public policy and the provision of services. This is as a result of bribe
extraction for delivery of services, poor quality of services and poor access
to services. Petty corruption and payment of bribes have impact on the
poor.
The challenge for all of us is to ensure that no case of corruption will be
tolerated. Together we must make a solemn commitment that no one will plunder
state resources.
We must remain ruthless and firm in our handling of corruption.
Acts of corruption, allegation of corruption, perceptions of corruption, all
affect the reputation of government.
I call upon all patriots and citizens of goodwill to join me in the ongoing
effort to ensure clean, accountable and transparent administration.
The public must also help to expose those in our midst who want to use their
positions in government and the public service to enrich themselves at the
expense of the taxpayer. The aspirations of our people cannot afford to be held
hostage by greed and selfishness.
We will continue to ensure that we provide the SIU as well as other
initiatives with the necessary capacity to enable them to discharge their
responsibilities.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
5 April 2007
