Hon Speaker, there is no contradiction because we have scored several achievements with regard to the investigation of cases of alleged corruption reported to the national anticorruption hotline. According to the reports provided to the Public Service Commission since the establishment of the hotline and as a result of the successful investigation of cases, 235 officials were found guilty of misconduct.
Of these cases, 35 officials were suspended, 120 were given final written warnings, and 80 officials were dismissed. In addition, a total of R1 million was recovered from perpetrators. Against this backdrop, it is clear that the hotline has had positive spin-offs; not only in terms of monetary value, but also in terms of disciplinary action taken against perpetrators.
The commission is currently following up with departments on all outstanding cases that were reported to the hotline to ensure that departments fulfil their obligations in investigating these cases. We appreciate the fact that an independent body such as the Public Service Commission draws our attention to such matters so that we can improve our efforts.
Let me indicate as well that there are also a number of critical initiatives that government has embarked upon to intensify the fight against corruption. We have established the interministerial committee on anti-corruption to ensure the alignment of corruption-fighting initiatives within government. There are also many agencies that are focusing on various aspects to attack corruption holistically. We have the Multi-Agency Working Group established by the Minister of Finance to investigate high- risk irregularities in the government procurement system. In addition, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is working with other Ministers in the criminal justice sector to strengthen the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
We have also instructed the Special Investigating Unit to probe alleged maladministration and corruption in several government departments, municipalities and agencies. These are the Department of Health in the Gauteng province, the national Department of Human Settlements, the Department of Arts and Culture, the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape province, the national Department of Public Works, the SA Social Security Agency and the SA Police Service. Last week we added the Ekurhuleni and Tshwane municipalities and the SABC. While not prejudging the investigations, the proclamations we issued are a clear indication of the resolve of government to combat corruption, mismanagement and maladministration at all levels of government and the Public Service.
Let me also take this opportunity to point out that we should avoid making blanket statements about corruption, which only serve to stereotype people. For example, an erroneous impression is created that all local government leaders and officials are corrupt. The majority of mayors, councillors and officials in local government work very diligently and in an honest manner. [Applause.]
Corruption should, therefore, not be used as an instrument of fighting certain ideological or sectarian battles; it should unite all of us to ensure clean governance in the public and private sectors. Thank you. [Applause.]