The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) together with Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and
the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners South Africa (ACFE SA) have come together to create
awareness and encourage the public to take a pro-active role in the on-going battle against fraud
and corruption during the International Fraud Awareness Week campaign.
The International Fraud Awareness Week, to be undertaken from 13–19 November 2022, was
established in year 2000 by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to minimise the
impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education. The ACFE SA Chapter has been
a supporter of this global campaign since its onset, and this year is no different.
During the week, officials from DWS will be educated on what constitutes fraud and corruption,
how to identify indicators of such activities and how to implement the internal controls that will
prevent, detect and combat various exposures to fraud.
The DWS, the SIU and the ACFE SA have adopted a zero-tolerance stance towards fraud and
corruption, therefore all officials are urged to play a role and support every initiative that the
Department, working with its stakeholders, takes to fight fraud and corruption.
The Department’s efforts in rooting out fraud and corruption elements is taking shape, with 97
officials having been found guilty of various financial offences since 2013. Of the 97 officials,13
have been dismissed, including a Deputy Director-General recently. Meanwhile, 38 officials
received final written warning letters, while others were demoted and others suspended without
pay for periods ranging from one to three months.
As part of the measures to turn the tide, the Chief Directorate: Internal Audit has been proactive in
nipping fraud and corruption in the bud by holding awareness sessions and educating officials in
the Department about effects of their actions. To this end, 78 awareness campaigns were held
during the period 2019 to 2022 with 1927 officials in attendance.
SOUTH AFRICA IS A WATER SCARCE COUNTRY
Department of Water and Sanitation South Africa DWS_RSA
The Department has a dedicated capacity to investigate allegations and incidents of fraud and
corruption. These Investigators are members of the ACFE and hold the Certified Fraud Examiner
(CFE) designation. This means that they are part of the global network of anti-fraud professionals,
and they are suitably qualified and experienced to carry out these investigations.
The Department of Water and Sanitation is serious about fighting fraud and corruption and often
collaborates with the SIU by sharing information and ensuring that documents are provided
timeously to ensure the successful investigation of the allegations. The Department also institutes
disciplinary action against those who have been found by the SIU to have committed acts of fraud
or corruption. It further collaborates with the SIU by joining the litigation process that has been
initiated by the SIU to recover funds that have been stolen or to have the contracts reviewed and
set aside.
The public and other government officials are urged to report fraud and corruption activities to the
National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) which is hosted by the Office of the Public Service
Commission (OPSC) by calling 0800 701 701 toll free number.
END
Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation, the Special Investigation Unit and the
ACFE
Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation
For more information, contact Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water
and Sanitation on 082 874 2942
For media releases, speeches and news visit the Water & Sanitation portal at:
www.dws.gov.za

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