PUBLIC EDUCATION AND CORRUPTION PREVENTION
The primary function of Public Education and Corruption Prevention is to educate, enlist and foster public support in the fight against corruption thereby soliciting their support in combating corruption and also to examine systems and procedures of both public and private bodies with a view of identifying gaps which may be opportunities for corrupt practices and come up with strategies to closing those gaps.
In adherence to this function the division has divided its programmes in the following target groups: public servants, members of the public, business community and youth.
Public Servants Campaigns: the division sensitises public officers in the government on corruption issues and thereafter establishes the systems Integrity Committees (SICs) which are the internal control mechanisms to ensure that laws and regulations are adhered to.
General Public Campaigns: the division also carries out public gatherings whereby the members of the public are sensitized about the evils of corruption and encouraged to join the fight against it through establishment of the District Anti-Corruption Committees (DACCs). The main function of DACCs is to ensure that services rendered to the public are free from corruption.
Business Community Campaigns: Business Action Against Corruption (BAAC) which is meant for the business community, has been set up to ensure that business transactions adhere to the rules and regulations set.
Schools Anti-Corruption Programme: this is a programme for the youth in schools; from primary, secondary, high school to Tertiary/ University level. The objective of this initiative is to instill in the youth, the moral values at a tender age, to create citizens of integrity who shun corruption and to help them have a positive impact within their communities.
Corruption Prevention Unit
Its mandate is informed by; UN Convention Against Corruption, ISO 31000 risk management principles and Section 6 (g)(h)(i) and (l) of Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offences Act, Act 5 of 1999 which permit the unit to:
- Examine the operational systems of both public and private institutions to identify gaps or weaknesses conducive to corruption
- Initiate proposals for changes in the procedures and processes to eliminate opportunities for corrupt practices
- Monitor and evaluate implementation of corruption prevention strategies within both public and private sectors
- Arrange and conduct workshops and seminars for stakeholders to enhance implementation of anti-corruption strategies tailored to suit the needs of the organization
The methodology adopted
One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through corruption risk assessments—a proactive approach that helps public and private institutions to identify where corruption is most likely to occur and take steps to prevent it.
A corruption risk assessment is about strengthening systems and involves analysing operations, understanding potential vulnerabilities, and ensuring that appropriate checks and balances are in place. This means improving procedures around procurement, payroll, licensing, financial management, and other areas where public funds or authority are involved.
The process follows five key steps:
- Understanding the operating environment
- Identifying corruption risks
- Analysing and prioritizing the identified risks
- Developing mitigating plans
- Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the recommended strategies
