Latest news with #PublicFinanceManagementAct1
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Big blow for rampant corruption
It is rare for our law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts to receive commendation for their work, as the daily crime statistics often subject them to criticism. However, when they perform exceptionally, they deserve recognition. This week, the Kimberley Division of the High Court delivered a significant blow to the rampant corruption in our nation. On Monday, August 11, two directors of Defensor Security Services, Claudius Gerald Peterson and Gert Renier van Rooyen, along with the entity itself, were found guilty of fraud and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999 and the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA) 56 of 2001. The group, which initially surrendered in October 2021, included Steven Jonkers, the former HOD of the Department of Health, who was acquitted of all charges. The allegations stated that the former HOD, now a Deputy Director General in another provincial department, irregularly awarded a tender to Defensor Electronic Security Systems for security services. The company directors submitted fraudulent documents to gain an unfair advantage, leading to them being awarded the tender as the highest bidder between August and October 2017. The tender's initial value of R224 million later increased to over R384 million. As Major General Stephen Mabuela, the Provincial Head of the Hawks, noted, "The wheels of justice may have turned slowly in this matter, but this conviction offers us hope." We echo this sentiment. Corruption remains a significant challenge in South Africa, undermining democracy, public trust, and economic development at all levels of society. It is crucial to honour whistleblowers, such as Babita Deokaran, who have paid the ultimate price for reporting corruption within departments like the Gauteng Department of Health. While we still have a long way to go in eradicating corruption, the Kimberley verdict is an encouraging sign nonetheless.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Bib blow for rampant corruption
While we still have a long way to go in eradicating corruption, the Kimberley Division of the High Court verdict is an encouraging sign nonetheless. It is rare for our law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts to receive commendation for their work, as the daily crime statistics often subject them to criticism. However, when they perform exceptionally, they deserve recognition. This week, the Kimberley Division of the High Court delivered a significant blow to the rampant corruption in our nation. On Monday, August 11, two directors of Defensor Security Services, Claudius Gerald Peterson and Gert Renier van Rooyen, along with the entity itself, were found guilty of fraud and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999 and the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA) 56 of 2001. The group, which initially surrendered in October 2021, included Steven Jonkers, the former HOD of the Department of Health, who was acquitted of all charges. The allegations stated that the former HOD, now a Deputy Director General in another provincial department, irregularly awarded a tender to Defensor Electronic Security Systems for security services. The company directors submitted fraudulent documents to gain an unfair advantage, leading to them being awarded the tender as the highest bidder between August and October 2017. The tender's initial value of R224 million later increased to over R384 million. As Major General Stephen Mabuela, the Provincial Head of the Hawks, noted, "The wheels of justice may have turned slowly in this matter, but this conviction offers us hope." We echo this sentiment. Corruption remains a significant challenge in South Africa, undermining democracy, public trust, and economic development at all levels of society. It is crucial to honour whistleblowers, such as Babita Deokaran, who have paid the ultimate price for reporting corruption within departments like the Gauteng Department of Health. While we still have a long way to go in eradicating corruption, the Kimberley verdict is an encouraging sign nonetheless.
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Special leave for Road Accident Fund CEO as SIU investigates
Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo has been placed on special leave with immediate effect. In a statement, the Department of Transport said Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as the delegated shareholder representative, had been informed by the RAF board of Letsoalo's special leave. The decision was made at a special meeting on Tuesday. 'The CEO will be on special leave until the conclusion of the relevant investigations by the Special Investigations Unit, or such earlier date as the board may determine. The board has indicated that this is a precautionary measure and does not constitute disciplinary action or presumption of guilt,' said the department yesterday. According to the statement, the decision was taken solely in the interest of good governance and as a precautionary step to facilitate ongoing investigative processes. 'It does not imply any prejudgment or adverse finding against the CEO. In making this decision, it must be noted that the board exercised its fiduciary duties in terms of the Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996, the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999, and in alignment with the principles of good governance as set out in King IV.' Meanwhile, Phathutshedzo Lukhwareni will serve as the acting CEO to ensure continuity of operations. The deputy minister has directed that the matter be placed on the agenda for the board meeting he has called for June 9. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
