Ghost employees in public service face prosecution

PUBLIC servants whose credentials are found to be suspect are set to face criminal charges as the government cracks down on the scourge of ghost employees across national and provincial departments and components.

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

The government is embarking on a comprehensive physical verification of personnel to identify and eliminate potential ghost employees and safeguard the integrity of its human resources and payroll management systems.

According to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), the presence on the payroll system of individuals not actively employed by departments constitutes a serious risk to public resources and places undue pressure on the national fiscus and the broader economy.

The department explained that it was critical to maintain accurate and credible data and personnel records under sound governance principles and the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks governing public administration.

"Departments are required to conduct a physical verification exercise of all personnel currently listed on their payroll, including interns, special advisors, traditional leaders, board members, and any other allied occupations or allied persons," DPSA acting director-general Willie Vukela stated.