KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna residents are called on to help protect the town by confidentially reporting any suspected fraud, corruption or misconduct, without fear of reprisal.
Knysna Municipality has reaffirmed its strong commitment to transparency, integrity and good governance, urging all residents, visitors, businesses and municipal employees to remain vigilant and play an active role in safeguarding the community.
Municipal Manager Lulamile Mapholoba stressed the importance of public participation in rooting out wrongdoing, assuring residents that their safety and anonymity are protected.
"Whistle-blowers are protected by law. Your identity and any information you provide will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity," he said.
To make reporting easier and more secure, the Knysna Municipality channel on the free Collab Citizen app now features a dedicated and independent anti-fraud and corruption portal.
Reports made through this platform go directly to the Internal Audit Section, which functions independently to ensure every allegation is thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action is taken where necessary.
What to report
The municipality encourages the public to come forward with any suspicion of:
- Fraud or corruption, including bribery
- Financial misconduct or waste of public funds
- Theft or misuse of municipal assets
- Sabotage or intentional damage
- Public health or safety risks
- Sexual exploitation or abuse
- Any serious malpractice or unethical behaviour
Mapholoba reiterated the municipality's zero-tolerance stance: "No employee, councillor or family member may ever solicit or accept any benefit in exchange for municipal services or opportunities. Our supply chain management processes are designed to be fair and lawful - any attempt to compromise them must be exposed immediately."
He said that corruption undermines service delivery and weakens public trust.
"Corruption robs every resident of the services and future they deserve. Only by standing together - residents and municipality - can we rebuild trust and create the inclusive, innovative and inspired Knysna we all want."
This initiative forms part of Knysna Municipality's support for International Fraud Awareness Week (13 - 19 November), a global campaign that highlights the importance of combating fraud and promoting ethical leadership.
How to report quickly and confidentially
- Collab Citizen app
- Knysna Municipality channel
- Anti-Fraud & Corruption portal (anonymous, secure and sent directly to Internal Audit)
- National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701
- Email: tip.offs@westerncape.gov.za
- Provincial Forensic Services: 021 483 0931
- Internal reporting: confidential discussions with your line manager or the Internal Audit team
Residents are encouraged to download the free Collab Citizen app, available for both smartphones and basic feature phones, and to use the reporting tools whenever they witness or suspect wrongdoing.
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