The Public Service Commission (PSC) has applauded officials who refused to accept bribes at the country’s ports of entry to South Africa.
“The integrity of officers at South Africa’s ports of entry plays a significant role in combating and preventing bribery and corruption in rendering customs, transport, and immigration services to the public,” said PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya said this was demonstrated by officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) who refused to take bribes of R200 000 and R50 000 respectively, to allow a truck carrying 614 boxes of semi-manufactured tobacco worth over R6 million to enter the country.
He said the display of integrity by officials promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct.
“The PSC once more applauds the exemplary ethical behaviour displayed by the officials from SARS and the RTMC for refusing to take a bribe at the Beitbridge port of entry,” said the Commissioner.
“Bribery at the ports of entry manifest in various ways, including, but not limited to, facilitation payment, document falsification, preferential treatment and smuggling,” Gxoyiya said, adding that corrupt officials may cooperate with criminal networks to smuggle illicit goods and even enable human trafficking in exchange of bribes.
“In addition, the PSC would like to congratulate the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille and officials in her department who were instrumental in the recovery of the R35 million in irregular payments made through SA Tourism’s US and South Africa Offices, for services not rendered,” Gxoyiya said.
He said the recovery of the funds demonstrated their commitment in fighting corruption and ensuring that funds allocated to the department are used appropriately in line with the Public Finance Management Act.
“The PSC would like to encourage all public servants across the country to uphold the constitutional values and principles which calls for professional ethics and accountability. These actions will contribute towards building a professional, ethical, and capable public service,” he said.
