MEDIA RELEASE 6 November 2006 Joburg measures to regulate Internet use proving effective New measures introduced by the City of Johannesburg to regulate the internet en e-mail usage by employees are already proving effective. Shortly after his appointment in May, the new City Manager, Mr Mavela Dlamini took steps to fill vacant senior posts in strategic positions such as Information Technology (IT) and Risk Management (JRAS). In the last three months, the City has seen remarkable improvement in closing gaps in the critical area of IT. JRAS embarked on a large-scale project to identify gaps in the existing rules and regulations on the use of the City's working tools. The city has introduced protective measures and software to prevent viruses from entering its network but also to block chain letters, the use of unacceptable language, sound attached to files, virus hoax messages and executable files. They also installed a tool which makes it virtually impossible for employees to access known pornography sites. The tool is upgraded almost daily to deal with newly identified sites. The new tools also prevent employees from downloading music from the internet. In the past three months the new measures successfully blocked over 3,5-million of inbound and outbound e-mail not complying with defined policies and procedures regulating the usage of mail as a working tool. Mr Dlamini says he has noted with regret news that some of his employees have engaged on time wasting tasks surfing the internet and conducting private work during working hours. The city initiated enquiries into allegations that employees were downloading pornography, music and movies using council equipment. The transgressions that took place during 2004 and 2005 were investigated and steps taken against offenders. Mr Dlamini says it was unfortunate to learn about a perception that some of the suspects got away lightly during disciplinary hearings of reported cases. "While we can't wish away the past, we intend learning from it to strengthen procedures and regulations and mete out harsher sentences in the future" he says. The City's labour relations and risk assurance departments have embarked on an increased employee awareness campaign to its 25 000 employees. Senior managers are reminded on a weekly basis on the policies and the correct procedures which forbids them to access websites for unauthorised purposes. This includes given updates on attempts by certain employees to access forbidden websites or use of foul material, downloading of content that do not conform to business activities (such as movies and music), distribution or transmission of objectionable or abusive material such as pornography or hate speech. The Labour Relations department is also strengthening its capacity to deal with transgressions. Officials have undergone further training to produce more conversant prosecutors and case facilitators. Other steps already underway include random checks conducted on any computer or laptop user; safety procedures and firewalls blocking access to certain known pornographic sites. As part of its commitment to good governance, the City has vigorously investigated allegations of abuse on its working tools. "We want to strengthen our resolve to this approach by inviting all city employees and the general public to work with us as we deal firmly with any wrong-doing by users of our facilities," says Mr Dlamini. Anyone with information about wrongdoing by City of Johannesburg officials or employees can report to the City Manager's office at 011 407 7309 during working hours or contact the anti-corruption hotline at 0800 002 587. Ends Issued by: Gabu Tugwana Public Liaison Director City of Johannesburg Tel: (011) 407 7162 Fax: (011) 339 1531 Cell: 083-400-4509 e-mail: gabut@joburg.org.za