In a powerful move to clean up the public service and restore public trust, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has dismissed 54 officials as part of an aggressive disciplinary drive aimed at stamping out corruption and misconduct.
In a statement released on Monday, the Department confirmed it had processed 223 labour-related cases in the 2024/25 financial year, with 164 cases finalized. These efforts resulted in dismissals, suspensions, resignations, and a range of disciplinary actions targeting unethical behaviour.
The offences were serious and varied—corruption, maladministration, fraud, theft, dishonesty, and gross misconduct topped the list. Notably, between January and April 2025, 15 officials were dismissed, signalling a faster, more efficient disciplinary process.
The full breakdown of outcomes includes:
- 🔴 54 Dismissals
- 🟡 41 Suspensions
- ⚪ 15 Resignations
- ⚖️ 4 Acquittals
- ⛔ 4 Withdrawals
- ⚠️ Various warnings issued depending on severity
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi welcomed the crackdown, declaring:
“This sends a strong message to those who think they can defraud or corrupt the Department — we are watching, and we will act.”
Kubayi highlighted that the state is capable of acting swiftly and decisively when it comes to accountability, challenging the stereotype of a sluggish and unresponsive public sector.
“This is evidence that the state can act decisively when it comes to accountability,” she affirmed.
This internal clean-up signals a renewed commitment to integrity, accountability, and public confidence in South Africa’s justice system. The Department says further investigations are ongoing, with more cases expected to be finalized in the coming months.
