The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works has reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding whistleblowers, following a recent engagement with leading anti-corruption organisations.
The department met with representatives from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), Corruption Watch, and the Right to Know Campaign to outline measures being taken to promote transparency and accountability in the province.
Among the initiatives discussed were the introduction of audiovisual recording systems during bidding processes and the strengthening of staff recruitment protocols to curb irregular practices.
Public Works MEC Martin Meyer said the department welcomed the oversight and input from civil society organisations.
“We’re happy to open our books to any organisation that fights corruption. We have nothing to hide. We want them to see what we’re doing and advise us. They were quite complimentary about much of our work and have offered further support,” said Meyer.
The department has already taken disciplinary action in several high-profile cases. In February, two officials were dismissed following their involvement in a multimillion-rand corruption scandal. This came shortly after another official in Pietermaritzburg was removed over irregularities linked to more than R1 billion in public funds.
The department says it will continue working with civil society to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms and ensure that whistleblowers are protected from retaliation.