Pikoli: judiciary is under attack

Source: University of Johannesburg The University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted the ninth Annual Helen Joseph Memorial Lecture on Thursday, 27 August 2015. This year’s speaker, Advocate Vusi Pikoli, tackled the question: Is an independent judiciary a threat to democracy? Pikoli is currently the Western Cape police ombudsman, and was the national director of public prosecutions Read more >

Zero makes irregular appointment

The reshuffling of staff in any organisation is usually not a big deal if the purpose is to enhance performance and productivity and ultimately meet goals. It becomes a big deal, however, when it is done for political reasons and in the interests of a powerful few. Such was the case in the ANC legislature Read more >

Political parties: the missing link in our constitution?

By Kate O’Regan Justice of the Constitutional Court (1994 – 2009) Introduction The Constitution of the United States of America is 7 000 words long. Nowhere does it mention political parties. And that was not because the question did not arise. James Madison, in The Federalist No 10, characterised “factions”, his reference to political parties, Read more >

Global corruption snapshots: 27 August 2015

Fifa team targets match-fixing, “many” cases of corruption Fifa’s independent ethics committee is probing “many” cases of suspected corruption, is accelerating its investigations and expects life bans for all but minor offences, according to a source familiar with the matter. – SABC News  Meet the women fighting corruption and saving mothers’ lives in India  Corruption, Read more >

Wits students take the test

As part of the ongoing My Hands Are Clean campaign, Corruption Watch’s mobile polygraph arrived at Wits University yesterday, to raise awareness of the dangers of corruption, and encourage students to not get involved in such activities. The event was organised by Tina Power, chairperson of Students for Law and Social Justice, and a campaigner Read more >

March date change to accommodate religious supporters

FAITH-BASED ORGANISATIONS DECLARE SUPPORT FOR MARCH AGAINST CORRUPTION The last week has seen a significant growth in support for Unite against Corruption and the planned anti-corruption marches. In particular, faith-based organisations have responded to our call to provide moral leadership in the fight against corruption. In order for the marches to be as inclusive as Read more >

CW admitted as amicus in DA vs SABC case

CORRUPTION WATCH ADMITTED AS AMICUS CURIAE IN MATTER BETWEEN HLAUDI MOTSOENENG AND THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE Corruption Watch has been granted leave to intervene as amicus curiae in Hlaudi Motsoeneng / Democratic Alliance & Others (SCA Case No. 393/15), a matter which is on appeal from the Cape High Court and which will involve a determination Read more >

‘Cleared’ Jiba faces potential obstacles

Dear Corruption Watch, the national director of public prosecutions recently announced that not only have charges of fraud and perjury against his deputy, Nomgcobo Jiba, been withdrawn, but she’s been promoted! How can she have a future at the NPA? Concerned Crime Fighter Dear Concerned Crime Fighter, Jiba’s integrity was called into question in the Read more >

Thorough checks will unmask CV fraudsters

Fraudsters who lie about their experience and qualifications on their CVs are popping up regularly in South Africa – but it’s entirely possible to prevent these unscrupulous individuals from entering the workplace. This important responsibility lies with human resource (HR) departments, and it’s a task they can achieve if they do their work properly. This Read more >