Government Cracks Down on Ghost Workers to Protect Public Funds and Restore Trust
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), under the leadership of Minister Mzamo Buthelezi, has launched a decisive campaign to eliminate ghost workers—fraudulent individuals on the government payroll who receive salaries without performing any actual duties.
The department is currently compiling a comprehensive report to determine the full financial cost of this widespread issue across the public service. The initiative is seen as a key pillar in the government’s drive to improve fiscal accountability and governance.
Millions Lost in Fraudulent Payments
Although the national figures are still pending, a 2024 Auditor-General report revealed that the Mpumalanga Department of Education alone paid out R6.4 million to non-existent employees—highlighting just how costly the problem could be at scale.
High-Tech Detection Over Manual Headcounts
To tackle the issue, the DPSA is working closely with the National Treasury on a data-driven solution. By cross-referencing government databases, authorities hope to identify and remove ghost workers more efficiently than outdated manual verification methods.
“This is about safeguarding public funds and restoring trust in the public service,” said a DPSA spokesperson.
The project will also involve verifying employment records, flagging duplicate or suspicious entries, and tracking irregular payment patterns.
Impact Beyond the Bottom Line
The presence of ghost workers doesn’t just drain public funds—it also blocks access to jobs for qualified, unemployed South Africans. Public service positions are often critical for community development and economic inclusion, making the fraudulent misuse of these roles particularly damaging.
Next Steps: Strategic Coordination
A high-level stakeholder meeting is expected soon to finalize a unified strategy, align systems across departments, and fast-track reforms.
