Mr Tshepo Mothudi, Chief Risk Officer: CUT, The Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Hon. Ketso Makume, Dr Anisa Storm, Senior Lecturer: North-West University, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, Free State Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation: Hawks, Mr Jaco de Jager, CEO: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and Dr Choice Makhetha, Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. 

Fraud is a silent, destructive force that erodes trust, binding communities and institutions together. Its impact stretches far beyond the initial act, draining resources meant to improve lives, slowing progress across society.

To commemorate International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November 2025), promote ethical behaviour, and strengthen a culture of integrity within the institution, the Central University of Technology (CUT), in partnership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), hosted a Fraud Awareness Event.

During the event, CUT and ACFE South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formalising a strong partnership aimed at enhancing fraud prevention and strengthening professional ethics across the institution.

In delivering her keynote address, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasised that preventing fraud is a shared responsibility. “Building an ethical culture begins with daily habits, being transparent, accountable, and honouring the trust placed in us. Fraud prevention is not about fear but about taking pride in belonging to an institution grounded in honesty and excellence,” she said.

ACFE CEO Mr Jaco de Jager added that fraud is a daily reality reflected in headlines worldwide. He highlighted that Fraud Awareness Week should be taken as an opportunity to empower one another, recognise risks and act responsibly when wrongdoing occurs.

The MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Hon. Ketso Makume, also shared his insights, highlighting the importance of ethical governance in strengthening public institutions and the broader economic landscape.

To report concerns or learn more, visit CUT’s ethics and integrity platform: https://www.cut.ac.za/ethics-integrity

Mr Jaco de Jager, CEO of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), and Dr Choice Makhetha, Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, sealed the partnership with a handshake during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to advance fraud prevention and ethical leadership.