Van Rooyen concedes fraud and corruption prevalent in municipalities

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des Van Rooyen has conceded that fraud and corruption in municipalities is prevalent, and that it is hampering the provision of service delivery.

He says some municipalities also lack the capacity to effectively deal with rampant corruption. Van Rooyen was speaking at the relaunch of the local government anti-corruption strategy in Potchefstroom in the North West.

“Since 2011, we have dealt with not less than 1600 cases of corruption and we know that there are cases where people have resigned even before they can sit for their disciplinary hearings. So, that is the true reflection that the problem is very serious. So, that is why we want to give the attention where it matters most. That is why we think capacitating and helping municipalities to deal with this scourge corruption should be our priority.”