Governments and businesses around the world lose large amounts of money each year because of fraud and corruption. These unethical practices mean people who need resources the most – like children, disabled people and the elderly – are the ones who suffer, while criminals reap the benefits.
Creating awareness
We want to encourage business and government to fight fraud and corruption, and create awareness about the negative impact they have on the economy.
Corruption and fraud
Corruption can take many forms, but basically it happens when someone uses their position of power or authority for personal gain or to benefit someone else.
Here are some examples:
Corruption can often be difficult to spot, though. Sometimes the difference between building normal relationships with service providers and corruption can be blurred, especially when it comes to activities such as working lunches and off-site meetings. However, the best question to ask is "If I accept this, will it unfairly influence my professional decisions?" If the answer is yes, then there is a risk of corruption occurring.
Corruption is closely linked to fraud and theft. Fraud happens when someone lies to benefit themselves or cause someone else harm, financially or otherwise. Theft is when someone takes money or goods that don't belong to them.
These are illegal actions and can happen at any level of the private sector and government. The South African government has created structures to help combat corruption, fraud and theft in the public service.
How to report fraud and corruption
You can help fight corruption, fraud and theft in government by phoning the national toll-free anti-corruption hotline on 0800 701 701.
It’s also important to not pay any bribes asked by a government employee or to offer any bribes to government employees. Not only does this promote corruption, it makes it harder for everyone else to get access to government services without being expected to pay a bribe!
Fighting corruption, fraud and theft is central to achieving our goal of creating an open-opportunity society for all and we’re committed to doing this.
Any incidents of corruption, fraud, theft and misuse of government property in the Western Cape can be reported to the Forensic Audit Component anonymously by post, telephone, fax or email at the following details:
Read more about how to report corruption, fraud and theft.
More information
Find out more about South Africa's campaign against corruption at the National Anti-Corruption Forum.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |