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Anti-corruption hotline yields "positive results": Zuma

Xinhua, December 16, 2016 Adjust font size:

An anti-corruption hotline has yielded "positive results" in the fight against corruption, South African President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday, amid growing calls for the government to combat rampant corruption.

A total of 3,570 officials were found guilty of misconduct related to corrupt activities reported to the hotline, Zuma said in his year-end statement.

The National Anti-Corruption Hotline (0800 701 701) for reporting corruption in the public service was established in September 2004 and is managed by the Public Service Commission.

Whistle blowers can call the hotline to report corruption without fear of victimization as the hotline offers anonymity.

Sanctions have been taken against officials that were charged and found guilty of misconduct, said Zuma.

Between September 2004 and September 30, 2016, a total of 1,694 officials were dismissed from the public service, 438 officials were fined (e.g. not receiving three month salary), 133 officials were demoted,

Some 913 officials were given final written warnings and 392 officials were prosecuted, according to Zuma.

The successful investigation of cases of alleged corruption reported to the hotline resulted in the recovery of 340 million rand (about 24.3 million U.S. dollars) from perpetrators, Zuma said.

"It is, therefore, evident that the hotline has yielded positive results, not only in terms of monetary value but also in terms of disciplinary action taken against perpetrators," Zuma said.

Opposition parties have lambasted the government for failing to curb corruption, as can be demonstrated by the alleged undue influence exerted by the wealthy Indian Gupta family in the appointment of cabinet ministers.

Zuma has said the government takes a zero tolerance towards corruption. Enditem