In an effort to combat corruption in the public sector, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) reports that approximately 400 Ethics Officers and interested parties have received training to perform lifestyle evaluations.
After President Cyril Ramaphosa made a proclamation on the creation of the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) in 2019, the training took place.
24 national ministries and 14 provincial departments have completed their lifestyle audits after a year of being required to do so.
The unit is presently sending notices of non-compliance to departments that did not follow the instructions in the handbook on lifestyle evaluations.
The appropriate Parliamentary Portfolio Committee was also given the department titles.
To determine the difficulties, the unit is still continuing to provide technical help to the department.
Using the appropriate Public Service Sector-Education and Training Authority, the unit also assisted the training of around 210 public service workers in 2021 to serve as chairpersons and initiators for disciplinary proceedings. Training will continue in this fiscal year.
98% of all senior management service (SMS) members timely reported their financial interests for the current fiscal year. For this financial year, the other categories have not yet been disclosed.
The percentage of Supply Chain Management, Finance Officials, and Middle Management Service personnel who reported their financial interests for the previous fiscal year was 54% (including those with Occupational Specific Dispensation).
combatting corruption
The unit was established as a result of the DPSA’s reorganisation, and it supports Priority 1 of the 2019–2024 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), “A Capable, Ethical and Developmental State.” Building an ethical public administration and addressing corruption in the public administration are its two main strategic aims.
Acting Public Service and Administration Minister Thulas Nxesi said at the beginning of this month’s Public Service Month that public employees must “walk the walk” and protect the nation’s freedom from the plague of corruption.
“We must speak out if we want to win this battle against corruption. As we combat corruption and create a competent, moral, and developing State that puts the needs of the people at the forefront of our efforts, we must live the words.
As a result, Nxesi stated, “We urge you to speak out and report any misconduct that you may be aware of.”
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and the South African Police Service were formerly aided by the PAEIDTAU. It is now supporting the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate.
Additionally, the unit supports departments who are having difficulties and is helping the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure build its own ethical infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za