​Thembisa Shologu
Government has launched the Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit geared towards rooting out corruption by encouraging and defending whistleblowers within the public service.
The Technical Assistance Unit which was first established in 2014 intends to professionalise the public service by setting norms and standards aimed at addressing ethical conduct and corruption in the public service.
Public Service and Administration, Ayanda Dlodlo said although the unit has no criminal jurisdiction or investigative mandate, it was part of the Anti-Corruption Task Team.
The unit is an integral cog in the anti-corruption machinery of government, the minister said.
In cooperation with key stakeholders, the unit has been identifying public administration employees involved in corruption. 
"This collective effort is expressed in the conclusion of agreements and Memorandums of Understating with the Special Investigating Unit, Financial Intelligence Centre, South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority and Auditor-General to improve the sharing of information on corruption to improve detection and prevention efforts," said Dlodlo.
Working within the Anti-Corruption Task Team, the unit has red flagged employees conducting business with the state or defrauding the system through the Unemployment Insurance Fund or the Special Relief of Distress grant.
In 2017 there were approximately 8500 employees listed as suppliers on the government central supplier database. 
"As the end of July 2021, this amount stands at 96. The unit interrogated to ensure no contracts are concluded with these employees," said Dlodlo. 
Dlodlo said the Unit has a critical role to play in terms of reaching the objectives stated in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy which aims to build ethical leadership and establishing the culture of reporting and whistleblowing. 
"Any anti-corruption and professionalisation initiative must allow employees to blow the whistle on corruption and for the protection of whistle-blowers. 
"The death of Ms Babita Deokaran highlights the imperative to increase awareness amongst employees on whistleblowing, to bolster early detection of corruption and criminal conduct," said Dlodlo.
Gauteng government has been leading the fight against corruption which saw the establishment of integrity management units; lifestyle audit, Open Tender System and the appointment of the civil society-led Ethics Advisory Council.  ​