Zuma pays back the money, but the damage is done

President Jacob Zuma has paid back the R7.8-million of taxpayers’ money used to improperly upgrade non-security parts of his private home at Nkandla, but this is not the end of the story. Some remain sceptical about the transaction and say they want proof that it was above board. The EFF is particularly suspicious about the Read more >

Nair’s Pikitup job trashed – MD fired

Some time ago we reported on the shady goings-on at Pikitup, and mentioned that the entity’s board had decided to institute disciplinary proceedings against its MD Amanda Nair. Nair had been involved in several controversies including an irregular R260-million tender awarded to a company which had previous negative findings against it in a forensic investigation. Read more >

One more step for incoming public protector

Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane is one step away from being named as South Africa’s new public protector. Last night the National Assembly gave her the 60% majority yes vote that she needed to make her appointment all but permanent. Her nomination was officially approved with 263 votes in favour to 79 against and one abstention. President Read more >

South Africa needs an integrity commission

by Advocate Paul Hoffman Commentators and the twitterati are abuzz, describing the symptoms of the war of attrition at present, in progress in and between the centres of power in the South African body politic. General anxiety in the land has spawned local use of the hashtag #Where do we go from here? Martin Luther Read more >

Crime stats gloss over corruption

The latest crime statistics were presented to Parliament today, with acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and minister Nkosinathi Nhleko putting a positive spin on the information. According to them, the crime situation has improved, with seven of the country’s provinces showing an overall decrease in crime. “The downward trend in crime statistics shows that Read more >