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A national forensic audit is to be conducted in the SA Post Office (SAPOS) as a matter of urgency, according to Post, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Minister Jay Naidoo.

This follows a countrywide forensic audit into the abusing and defrauding of the flexi-remuneration scheme that resulted in five senior officials being suspended. Further allegations of fraud and corruption made by unions, management and employees resulted in the decision to extend the forensic audit.

"On May 10, after consultation with the Board and other stakeholders, I requested that a national forensic audit be conducted as a matter of urgency, and that it be concluded within six to eight weeks," he says.

It will cover allegations of financial mismanagement, tendering procedures (including an audit of all companies that have been awarded Post Office contracts in the past 12 months) and the sale and rental of property and related matters.

The final report will be submitted to Naidoo (as the Minister responsible) as well as the SAPOS Board of Directors.

"Action will be considered within the context of the Post Office's disciplinary code, and if there is prima facie evidence uncovered showing criminal intent, we will lay criminal charges against the responsible officials," he says.

"Decisive action is necessary to strengthen our campaign to root out crime and corruption. We are determined to ensure that the people of South Africa have an efficient and reliable postal service that is free of violation," Naidoo says.

Contact: Mandy Jean Woods
Phone: 082 653 4211 or (021) 462-1632
Email: mandy@doc.wcape.gov.za

Issued by Ministry for Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting, 17 May 1999

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