South Africa has the highest incidence of economic fraud in the world, with a staggering 77% of businesses having experienced fraudulent activities.

This is according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC’s) 2018 South Africa Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey.

In light of these shocking statistics, the North-West University (NWU) hosted fraud awareness sessions on each of its campuses to educate employees about fraud and how to report it.

During these sessions the roles of Internal Audit, Employee Relations and Legal Services were explained at length. Employees were also informed on fraud in the workplace, why employees are obligated to report it, red flags to look out for and where suspicious activities can be reported.

According to Madelein Van der Merwe, NWU internal audit director, an effective fraud awareness programme contributes to the organisation’s anti-fraud activities and can reduce the cost of fraud within the organisation significantly.

“Fraud is a reality and we all have a responsibility to fight it,” says Madelein.

She says that the University Management Committee accepted Internal Audit’s anti-fraud strategy. “The recent awareness sessions form part of this strategy and Internal Audit has committed itself to presenting these sessions every two years. This forms part of our obligation to manage and prevent the risk associated with fraud.”

Madelein says that staff should also make a mental note of the NWU's very first participation in Fraud Awareness Week from 11 to 17 November 2018.

Employees who suspect any fraudulent activities can contact Madelein at 018 285 2802 or via email at madelein.vandermerwe@nwu.ac.za.

Visit the NWU website (http://www.nwu.ac.za/sites/www.nwu.ac.za/files/files/i-governance-management/policy/2P-2.9.6-Maladministration_and_irregularities_e.pdf) for more information and to access the form that can be used to report incidents of alleged fraud.