Gauteng Health halts salaries of 66 unverified employees

The Gauteng Department of Health has suspended salaries for 66 employees under its ongoing Ziveze campaign, aimed at removing ghost workers from the payroll. The initiative, launched in October 2024, will conclude at the end of March 2025.

Thousands of Employees still unverified

Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba confirmed that the department had made significant progress verifying. Out of 85 642 workers, 31 345 were verified during the campaign’s first phase. The second phase, which began on 13 January, has verified an additional 30 508 employees, leaving 23 789 still to be confirmed.

“The verification team still has until 31 March 2025 to verify the remaining cohort of employees,” Modiba stated.

“Those who continue to avoid the verification process risk permanent removal from the payroll, including criminal cases being opened against them.”

Efforts to Prevent Fraud

The department launched the campaign in response to concerns about fraudulent salary payments. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ 2022 report on occupational fraud identified ghost employees as one of the most common types of workplace fraud, accounting for 8% of reported cases globally. Furthermore, by ensuring only legitimate employees receive salaries, the department aims to strengthen accountability and improve resource allocation in healthcare facilities.

“All employees have been urged to physically verify themselves by visiting their facility’s Human Resources office or any designated verification site,” said Modiba.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

With salaries already frozen for some unverified employees, the department has warned that further action could follow if individuals fail to complete the verification process. While some cases remain under review, the department continues to push for full compliance before the deadline.

“As of 25 February 2025, salaries have been frozen for 66 unverified employees, excluding pending cases,” said Modiba.