Telkom Group is launching a multi-channel whistleblowing platform to enable the public to report any acts or suspected acts of fraud, corruption and irregular conduct within the organisation.
In a statement, the company says as one of the country’s largest network operators, the new whistleblowing channels are part of the group’s ethics and corporate governance mechanisms to ensure Telkom remains a corruption- and fraud-free organisation.
“From 1 May 2021, you can report actual or suspected incidents on the toll-free Telkom hotline by dialling 0800 124 000, or you can send a message to Telkom Group’s new WhatsApp hotline by adding the number 081 222 5999,” the telecoms firm notes.
Telkom says it recently designated its group exco member Ayanda Ceba as group ethics officer, responsible for promoting and embedding ethical conduct within the organisation. Ceba is also the group company secretary.
The company points out that every individual has a responsibility to play their part in rooting out fraud and corruption in society, communities and organisations.
According to Telkom, SA was recently ranked number 69 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2020, further highlighting the severity of fraud and corruption in the country.
“That is why Telkom Group has partnered with safe line service provider Advance Call to launch the #Vulumlomo | Speak Up anti-fraud and corruption campaign to encourage the public to come forward and anonymously report any acts or suspected acts of fraud, corruption and irregular conduct,” the company says.
Telkom Group executive for safety, security and forensics Dr Pat Mazibuko says: “Addressing fraud, corruption and irregular conduct is an end-to-end process where we expect everyone, be it Telkom Group employees, members of the public or Telkom Group’s suppliers and customers, to report all incidents. Reported acts will be investigated regardless of any individual’s position within the organisation.”
Through this whistleblowing platform, Telkom says it aims to encourage South Africans to take a stand against corruption, fraud and irregular conduct, and to be active participants in the fight against crime.
The hotline will apply to all Telkom subsidiaries and business units, namely Telkom Consumer, BCX, Openserve, Telkom SMB and YEP.
“This whistleblowing platform is also aimed at assisting law enforcement bodies that have oversight over corruption prosecutions,” Mazibuko says.
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