It is evident that corruption is bedevilling our nation and is the number one impediment to the roll out of infrastructure, which is essential for service delivery and improving the quality of life for all South Africans, according to a statement released by Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) earlier this week.
CESA states that it has therefore entered into an agreement with Moore Stephens SA Forensic Services to launch an anti-corruption Hotline.CESA members and members of the public who are concerned about any issue in relation to possible fraud, corruption and/or maladministration related to the awarding of a tender or contract in the construction sector, are encouraged to report their concerns through the Hotline. “The only thing necessary for the triumph [of evil] is for good men to do nothing,” said Edmund Burke. According to the statement, CESA is committed to the promotion of integrity and ethics and has intensified its efforts to combat tender fraud in relation to the awarding of contracts in the public sector. “As part of the agreement, Moore Stephens has established a Hotline for CESA for a three-month trial period. The Hotline will only continue after the stipulated period dependant on the nature of calls received and sufficient take up response. CESA, therefore, encourages their member firms as well as members of the public to make use of this confidential facility.” Moore Stephens has significant resources that include skilled and experienced forensic professionals with specific experience in engineering and related tenders and contracts in both the public and private sector. Aside from any other aspects, the Association believes the Hotline will allow CESA to gather statistics on the incidence of alleged tender fraud and identify key issues which it may decide to pursue further in one or other manner. “It should not be forgotten that the ‘Prevention and combating of Corrupt Activities Act (2004),’ also known as PRECCA makes corruption a crime, and applies to all people working in the public or private sectors. The Act requires anyone in authority such as a manager to report corruption and other crimes related in the Act involving R100 000 or more, to the police. Failing which ‘they will be guilty of a crime.’(ref.www.nacf.org.za),” concluded CESA.Hotline in action
Anyone can contact the Hotline Service by using the dedicated telephone number:- The operator will interview the caller, probing for specific facts so as to record and understand clearly as much information as possible;
- The information will be analysed and forwarded to a specified senior official within CESA with recommendations who will then decide on the further action to be taken;
- Please note that although you may choose to tell the operator who you are, the Hotline report will not reveal your identity, unless you specifically agree that your identity may be made known to CESA.
