Corruption Watch and the Water Integrity Network (WIN) invites members of the media to the launch of the report MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN: corruption in South Africa’s water sector to be held on 12 March 2020, at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.

This report, commissioned by the two organisations, aims to understand and interrogate the drivers of corruption in this sector, the broader political and economic challenges, and the devastating social and economic impacts of corruption as it applies to water services and resources.

Author Mike Muller, former director-general in the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, provides a systematic analysis of corruption in the water sector and its impact, based on specific examples and case studies. The recommendations presented offer practical and concrete suggestions for addressing the problems in the sector, while also emphasising that the roots of corruption in the water sector are located in the wider society, and corruption will not successfully be combated unless these are also addressed.

The extent of corruption in the water sector is measured in dry taps, lost jobs and polluted rivers; many, particularly young children, old people, and those with compromised immune systems, have become ill from drinking unsafe water, or their homes and toilets cannot be kept hygienic. Effective strategies to wash corruption out of the water sector could create the environment in which larger water problems can be tackled. Join the discussion and engage with relevant stakeholders in the sector.

The details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 12 March 2020 Time: 10h00 – 11h30 Venue: Human Rights Conference Room, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg

For RSVP and media interviews, contact:

Phemelo Khaas                 083 763 3472                      phemelok@corruptionwatch.org.za