Following widespread cases of fraud and corruption, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Social Development has highlighted IT as a vital component of its fraud prevention strategy.
Following forensic investigations into mismanagement of funds and procurement irregularities, the department said it would spend R2.6 million this year on IT. The technology forms part of its fraud and corruption prevention strategy.
The findings of the forensic investigation, which were released in November 2008, revealed the department had been defrauded of over R50 million.
Meshack Radebe, MEC for social development in KZN, says a number of members suspected of fraud and corruption were suspended. He added they would appear in court as soon as all the investigations had been finalised.
“In view of the seriousness of these crimes, the department has decided to improve information and technology security measures and access control,” says Radebe.
The department will install closed-circuit television cameras at head and regional offices. Electronic biometric access control measures will also be deployed as a way of preventing fraud and corruption. Radebe adds that these measures will be extended to the local service offices as funds became available.
Troubled relations
While Radebe welcomes the recent appointment of Nhlanhla Ngidi as head of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) in the province, he calls on it to improve its services.
“I wish him everything of the best on his new appointment, and I hope that the working relationship between the Department of Social Development and Sassa will improve drastically under his management,” he notes.
Sassa is an agency established by the department to focus on social grants administration and payments through an integrated national system of social development services. The troubled agency is facing an investigation by the Special Investigations Unit into alleged misuse of funds managed by pay point service providers. The agency's CEO has also been placed on special leave pending an investigation into alleged irregularities and faces possible disciplinary measures.
Radebe adds the provincial government would intervene if the agency fails to fulfil its mandate.
“However, I, as the MEC and a representative of the community, have an oversight role on how Sassa runs its business. There is legislation in the pipeline that seeks to strengthen the oversight role of MECs for social development in as far as Sassa is concerned,” he states.
Related story:
More delays for R21bn tender
Share
