Mayor Xaba Calls For Stronger Systems And Community Education To Tackle Corruption

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAYOR XABA CALLS FOR STRONGER SYSTEMS AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION TO TACKLE CORRUPTION

A multipronged approach to curb fraud and corruption and create clean, accountable governance is central to winning the fight against unethical practices.

This was the key message at the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Seminar held today, 20 November, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre.

Corruption remains the number one challenge in local government, depriving communities of resources and hindering service delivery.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba commended the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate for its commitment to strengthening internal controls and promoting ethical conduct.

“Civil claims must be implemented to recover money equivalent to the crime committed. We must strengthen collaboration between government, civil society, law enforcement agencies, and professional bodies,” said Mayor Xaba.

He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital monitoring tools in detecting irregularities early and enhancing transparency. 

Community engagement is also vital to educate residents about the impact of fraud.

The following fraud and corruption statistics for eThekwini during the 2024/2025 financial year were highlighted during the seminar:

• 17 criminal cases registered with law enforcement; 11 currently before the courts
• 9 entities blacklisted and barred from doing business with the Municipality
• 15 cases recommended for recovery, amounting to R35 million
• 81 cases where consequence management was implemented
• Diesel theft and other resource-related crimes remain prevalent.

Advocate Bulelwa Vimbani-Shuma from the National Prosecuting Authority’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit stressed the need for robust systems to protect whistleblowers.

“Ongoing community education is crucial to create understanding of the effects of fraud and corruption, as it impedes service delivery,” she said.

Jimmy Ngcobo, Director of the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate, reaffirmed the City’s zero-tolerance stance. 

“We meet monthly to track prosecution progress. We cannot allow criminals to tarnish the image of the Municipality,” said Ngcobo.

Residents are urged to report any form of fraud or corruption within the Municipality to: 0800 202 020 or 031 311 4002 or email ombuds@durban.gov.za

ENDS