eThekwini Municipality cracking down on fraud, corruption: nine businesses blacklisted
Mayor Cyril Xaba called for civil claims to be implemented to recover money lost to crime and highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics for early detection of irregularities.
Image: Independent Media Archives
The eThekwini Municipality says it is cracking down on fraud and corruption and has taken action in several matters in the 2024/2025 financial year.
The municipality provided statistics on the matters at the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Seminar held on Thursday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre.
The City noted in a statement that corruption remains the number one challenge in local government, depriving communities of resources and hindering service delivery.
EThekwini Mayor 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.
The following fraud and corruption statistics for the municipality 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
• It was further noted that diesel theft and other resource-related crimes remain prevalent.
The mayor highlighted the important 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.
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 can report any form of fraud or corruption within the municipality to: 0800 202 020 or 031 311 4002 or email ombuds@durban.gov.za