The Minister for Public Service and Administration, Mr Senzo Mchunu, has raised serious concerns on the number of government employees who failed to disclose their financial interests and those doing business with the state. 

In terms of regulation 18(1) and (2) of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, SMS members are required to disclose their financial interests annually by 30 April.  As a Department, we have written letters to relevant departments to take action against identified employees and to report investigation and disciplinary outcomes. 

In terms of regulation 18(5) of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, the Head of Department and the Executive Authority are required to submit the disclosed financial interests to the Public Service Commission (PSC) by 31 May 2020.  The PSC can then determine if there is potential or actual conflict of interest regarding the disclosed financial interests.

The number of government employees found to be doing business with the state and those who failed to disclose their financial interests is concerning.  This situation must be dealt with as the Sixth Administration has committed itself to fighting corruption and maladministration.  Corruption in the Public Service is inconsistent with the values and principles governing the public administration, stipulated in Section 195(2) of the Constitution and must be tackled head on.  We are following up on these cases with relevant departments so that identified individuals will be dealt with within the framework of the law, since doing business with the State is a criminal offence.  We will ensure that criminal charges are laid with the police to ensure that we put an end to the culture of pillaging our state resources with impunity.

South Africa has to make a shift towards observing ethics and combat corruption, both in the public and private sectors.  Corruption remains a major contributor to economic decline and therefore it is even more important for South Africa to act swiftly against this scourge.

Issued by Government Communications (GCIS) on behalf of the Department of Public Service and Administration.