SABC to flush out ghost workers on payroll as it discloses vetting process

The SABC has remained non-committal about reports that it is clamping down on ghost workers and unaccounted-for contractors on its payroll.

This comes as the SABC’s internal auditors were reported to have issued an internal memo to its staffers and independent contractors calling them to physically and virtually verify their statuses with the public broadcaster.

A recent forensic investigation uncovered the existence of ghost workers who were being paid undisclosed sums of money through this scheme.

In December 2023, the SABC confirmed that it was launching a probe into the issue of ghost workers following reports that senior employees implicated in the payment of unaccounted-for workers.

“The SABC has noted with concern the contents of an anonymous email on social media regarding the payment of ‘ghost workers’ at the SABC News division.

“In this regard, the corporation would like to set the record straight on this matter and confirm that the SABC group executive for news and current affairs, Mr Moshoeshoe Monare, has launched an extensive investigation into freelance contracts that turned out to be irregular, corrupt and fraudulent,” the public broadcaster said.

This week, Independent Media learnt from sources close to the situation that the SABC’s internal auditors were vetting some of their contractors following a recent memo.

“Dear colleagues, please find very important correspondence from the internal auditor... As indicated previously, Group Internal Audit will be conducting verification of independent contractors and their details at the News and Current Affairs Division.

“To this effect, we would like to inform management that physical verification will commence on 19 September 2024 from 09h00 to 14h00 until 26 September 2024.

“The process will be conducted in the following manner: all independent contractors who are within the Gauteng region are requested to present themselves to the Group Internal Audit Offices, Room no 1111, 11th Floor, Radio Park Building, Auckland Park,” reads parts of the memo.

The memo further stated that contractors who were not working within the Gauteng region would be vetted virtually.

“Independent contractors who are not working within the Gauteng region will be verified through Microsoft Teams (video call) provided that the contact details were submitted to the audit team,” it said.

“In cases where, it was established that it is not feasible for an independent contractor to present himself/herself to Group Internal Audit Offices, verification can be performed through Microsoft Teams (video call),” it added.

Furthermore, the communique stipulated some of the key requirements to ensure full verification.

“These include proof of identity i.e. a South African ID smart card, bank account confirmation letter or bank statement not older than two months as well as a clear photo of an independent contractor holding proof of identity must be submitted when verification is performed through Microsoft Teams (video call).

“Management is required to relay the information to all independent contractors and provide contact details of each independent contractor included on the attached Excel spreadsheet from the 18th to 19th September 2024,” it said.

A source close to the situation said: “Remember the ghost workers at SABC? This email was sent to staff two days ago. It seems they are only acting to resolve this matter now as staff are being asked to present themselves only now.”

However, attempts to get the SABC to confirm the latest developments were unsuccessful at the time of going to print, with the public broadcaster only saying: “Your enquiry has been received.”

Meanwhile, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) confirmed this week that it had identified weaknesses in the Human Resources system of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) after its investigation of more than 1200 ghost employees at the agency had finalised more than 600 cases.

On Wednesday, SIU head Andy Mothibi detailed serious fraud, including ghost employees and document destruction, at Prasa.

Cape Times