By Rachel Mohamed
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is advocating for conflict-of-interest audits across all government departments following the arrest of Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, who is the Divisional Commissioner in the Crime Intelligence of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and six others on corruption charges. OUTA emphasises that unchecked conflicts of interest pose a significant threat to transparency, accountability, and good governance in South Africa.
Speaking on VOC’s airwaves, Wayne Duvenage, CEO of OUTA, expressed concern about high-level officials, including managers and CEOs, whose family members’ companies conduct business with their respective departments.
He noted, “This is a serious issue as it leads to inflated prices for goods and services, ultimately costing society more. It is unacceptable because it directly contributes to corruption and maladministration within the state. We urge the government to address this in all departments.”
Duvenage added, “If I were the president and genuinely committed to fighting corruption, I would mandate all cabinet members, including the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), which oversees local governments and provinces, to ensure that comprehensive conflict of interest audits are conducted. I would establish a dedicated department with the expertise to manage these audits and address any conflicts of interest.”
Listen to the full interview:
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
