CORRUPTION NEWS

Proposed new Saps anti-corruption unit could work

It is possible to combat police corruption, write Johan Burger and Stefan Grobler of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). But it depends on having the right leaders and staff, and sufficient capacity in place. The South African Police Service (Saps) is developing a draft anti-corruption strategy – its finalisation was planned for the beginning of 2016/2017, but to date, Read more >

LITIGATION

Sassa turnabout on CW’s legal challenge

The decision by the South African Social Services Agency (Sassa) to oppose legal action by Corruption Watch over irregular expenditure incurred in 2015 for the re-registration of beneficiaries by Cash Paymaster Service (CPS) was deemed irrational by the agency, leading to its recent withdrawal from the case. CEO Thokozani Magwaza conceded as much to the Read more >

OPINIONS

The descent of Jacob Zuma in 31 steps and counting

By Kavisha Pillay and Mark Hayward First published on Daily Maverick Last week, the Constitutional Court heard arguments that Parliament should either allow for, or be ordered to conduct, a secret ballot when MPs are voting in a motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma. The hearing came after a weekend of storms covered Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Eskom/Brian Molefe saga: a timeline

South Africans can be forgiven for sometimes not being able to keep up with events, especially in the public sphere. Developments happen in rapid succession and it can be difficult to keep a clear picture in mind or get a good idea of the magnitude of events. In the case of the Eskom saga, which Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

State employees benefit from irregular business with govt

The Office of the Auditor-General (AGSA) recently expressed concern to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) that there have been no consequence for public officials doing business with the state, despite recommendations made years ago on how best to address the issue. Government has paid out millions over the past decade or so to Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

NACS discussion document: what’s it about?

The South African government planned to release its draft national anti-corruption strategy (NACS) on International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 December, last year. The document was delayed until 14 May, when it was launched to a lukewarm response from the nation. Last year Corruption Watch was engaged in the process that prepared the draft, along with other Read more >

OPINIONS

Secret ballot refusal would be obstruction in Parly

By David Lewis First published in Daily Maverick Whistle-blowing is a critical ingredient in tackling corruption. Corrupt conduct is, in most cases, the outcome of covert collusion between a public authority or individual, on the one hand, and a private institution or individual, on the other. Unlike house robbery or assault, there is no victim Read more >

INVESTIGATION

“No-fee” school charges parents R207 a year

By Julia Chaskalson First published on GroundUp Umtapho High School is a no-fee school in the north of Durban that forces parents to pay fees every year. The fees charged to parents are R160 for maintenance, R35 for a new student card and R12 per registration form for each child each year. Parents say the Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

How corruption affects climate change

First published on Transparency International Climate change, like corruption, is a matter of life or death. The evidence is hard and clear. 2016 was the hottest year ever on record, extreme “once in a generation” weather events are becoming more regular, and fragile ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef are dying. Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is here. Read more >