Page 116 - DSD ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2

PART C: GOVERNANCE

3 FRAUD AND CORRUPTION

The Department’s fraud prevention plan and how it has been employees can blow the whistle on fraud and corruption in the
implemented. working environment without the fear of suffering an occupational
During the reporting period, the Department’s Anti-Corruption detriment as defined by the Act. The Department’s management
and Fraud Prevention Policy was adopted by the Management encourages staff to raise matters of concern responsibly through
Committee (MANCO) and approved by the Acting Director-General the procedures laid down in Annexure C of the policy.
in September 2021 for implementation. This policy is intended
to curb all forms of corruption and fraud within the Department How the cases are reported and what action is taken.
and demonstrate the attitude of the Department towards all It is the responsibility of all employees of the Department to
forms of corruption and fraud through re-enforcement of existing report all incidents of corruption and fraud or similar conducts
regulations aimed at prevention, detection, investigation and relating to actual or potential financial losses. The reporting
resolution to corruption and fraud. procedures are dealt with in detail in the Response Plan. The first
step is for the employee to approach his/her immediate supervisor/
The objectives of the Anti-Corruption and Fraud Prevention Policy manager, unless he/she or the senior management is the subject
are as follows: of the complaint, in which case the Internal Audit Unit should be
• To install a culture of zero tolerance to corruption and fraud informed. Should the complaint be found by the Senior Manager to
within the Department; be substantiated, he or she will consult with the Internal Audit Unit
• To re-enforce existing regulations aimed at prevention and on whether the matter should be investigated internally or referred
detection of corruption and fraud; to the appropriate external body such as the South African Police
• Create awareness to all employees, outside service providers Services (SAPS).
and suppliers to the Department in order to get a buy-in in the
fight against corruption and fraud; The process requires concerns to be raised in writing, providing the
• To take appropriate corrective action against perpetrators; and background and history of the concern, giving names, dates and
• To improve or implement the necessary controls on fraud risk places where possible. The complainant should also set out the
areas reasons why they are particularly concerned about the situation.
Annexure A of the Policy explains the Department’s Anti-Corruption Those who are uncomfortable to put their concern in writing can
and Fraud Prevention (ACFP) Plan. The Anti-Corruption and Fraud call the Public Service Commission Hotline number on 0800 701
Prevention (ACFP) is a dynamic strategy that will continuously 701. The earlier the concern is reported, the easier it is to act and
advance as the Department’s circumstances change. Annexure B initiate recovery procedures where necessary.
explains the Department’s Anti-Corruption and Fraud Response
Plan. The plan provides details of how the Department and its Internal disciplinary action.
employees should respond to all incidents or suspected incidents The Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council Resolution
of corruption and fraud. No. 2 of 1999 prescribes the disciplinary measures applicable
to the Public Service. Government employees who are found
Mechanisms in place to report fraud and corruption and how to have committed or were involved in an act of corruption or
these operate. fraud, will be subjected to punitive measures as prescribed in the
Annexure C of the policy explains or provides a means by which staff above-mentioned resolution. Members of the Bid Committees
is able to raise concerns with the appropriate line management, (Specification, Evaluation and Adjudication) are required to declare
or specific appointed persons in the Department, where they have their interests at the commencement of every meeting. Members
reasonable grounds for believing that there is fraud and corruption who declare their conflict of interest are required to recuse
within the Department. The Protected Disclosures Act, Act 26 of themselves from participating in the meeting. All suppliers and
2000, which became effective in February 2001, provides protection service providers are required to submit a signed Declaration of
to employees for disclosures made without malice and in good faith, Interest Form (Standard Bidding Document 4) indicating whether
in defined circumstances. In terms of the Protected Disclosures Act, they have any interest when doing business with the State.

4 MINIMISING CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Members of the Bid Committees (Specification, Evaluation and All suppliers and service providers are required to submit a signed
Adjudication) are required to declare their interests at the Declaration of Interest Form (Standard Bidding Document 4)
commencement of every meeting. Members who declare their indicating whether they have any interest when doing business
conflict of interest are required to recuse themselves from with the State.
participating in the meeting.

116 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22