The South African Government has launched its annual Public Service Month amid corruption scandals involving a number of top officials.
In a somewhat unusual message to mark the month, Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Senzo Mchunu (pictured) said he was taking the opportunity “to call on all Public Servants, not only to desist against any criminal and corrupt activities, but to fight and isolate it and expose anyone who commits such acts”.
At the launch, which was held virtually because of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Mchunu said this year’s theme was Growing South Africa Together for an Ethical Public Service.
“We want to call upon all Public Servants to conduct themselves ethically,” Mr Mchunu said.
“I want you to comply with all the legal prescripts and to do right — even when no one is watching,” he said.
Mr Mchunu urged workers to “let your conscience guide you in serving the citizens of the country, as we continue to strive for a better South Africa”.
South Africa has seen an increase in the number of Public Servants doing business with the Government in clear contravention of conflict of interest rules, particularly during the pandemic.
Workers have also been suspected of being implicated in corruption scandals in relation with resources dedicated to the fight against COVID-19.
The country’s Public Administration Management Act of 2014 makes it a criminal offence for public administration employees and special advisors who own or part-own companies to conduct business with the State.
Under the Act, if a person is found guilty of the offence, he or she is liable to a fine or imprisonment.
However, so far no officials have been fined or imprisoned for such an offence.
Pretoria, 6 September 2020
