Over 250 Investigators from various departments in South Africa benefit from specialized training on Lifestyle Audit
Through funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and technical assistance from Cowater International, the Strengthening Ethics and Integrity Project (SEIP) conducted a full-day hybrid training session on four procedures in lifestyle audit for various provincial and national government departments in South Africa. Over 250 investigators participated in the training, with 80 percent joining virtually. Four procedures were presented out of a total of 12 procedures: i) preliminary analysis, ii) decision to open an investigation, iii) scoping and planning, and iv) approval of scope and plan for Lifestyle Investigation. The pilot training covered a range of topics within the four procedures, including the context, purpose, roles & responsibilities, workflows, standard operating procedures and quality control steps in Lifestyle Audit. This initiative aims to introduce new potential procedures and tools to build the capacity of investigators in performing lifestyle audits in South Africa.
Following this training, the DPSA’s Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) will aim to further enhance the knowledge, procedures, and tools available to investigators performing Lifestyle Audits, strengthen the overall anti-corruption culture in various departments, and raise awareness on gender and inclusion considerations.
The Strengthening Ethics and Integrity Project (SEIP) is funded by Global Affairs Canada and aims to increase the accountability, efficiency and transparency of the public administration in delivering gender-responsive services to the South African public. This is accomplished through the provision of technical assistance to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) in the design and operationalization of a new specialized unit, the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU).
