There has been limited if any progress in South Africa’s attempts to curb foreign bribery over the past two years, says Transparency International in a new report, released today. This suggests that it remains relatively easy for South African companies to engage in corruption when conducting business outside the country’s borders, notes Corruption Watch.
Remember this number – 0800 111 969. It’s the new Ipid toll-free number that aims to empower communities to report police misbehaviour, and ensure that all South African residents have maximum and free access to its service. Phone from anywhere in the country using the same number.
Corruption Watch has written to trade and industry minister Ebrahim Patel and the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, regarding the upcoming appointments to the National Lotteries Commission. Our recommendations are aimed at ensuring that individuals of high calibre, in their skills, knowledge and integrity, are appointed.
If the government implements just one particular recommendation, of the 12 made jointly by Corruption Watch and the Institute for Security Studies to the Zondo commission into state capture, South Africa will see a more accountable and transparent law enforcement system, writes Valencia Talane.
The C19 People’s Coalition supports the 7 October national strike called by the Congress of South African Trade Unions and South African Federation of Trade Unions. The unions want government to act decisively on allegations of corruption levelled against some officials, while the coalition’s demands include an end to impunity, among others.
Any use of force by law enforcement officials must be in line with international human rights laws and principles, and with the right to an effective remedy. The C19 People’s Coalition, of which Corruption Part is part, has put together a series of infographics detailing the steps to be taken to document and report police abuse, as well as information on the legality and prescribed use of less-lethal weapons.
Former crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli was sentenced on Tuesday 29 September to an effective five years in prison – three years for kidnapping, one year for assault, and one year for assault with intention to commit grievous bodily harm. The second sentence will run concurrently. Mdluli’s corruption case, meanwhile, goes to trial in November.
Corruption Watch legal researcher Mashudu Masutha said the organisation’s corruption reporting channels are receiving numerous reports from mining-affected communities in different parts of the country. The reports allege serious offences, including interference and opacity from officials who are responsible for awarding of mining rights, prospecting licenses and permits – yet action from the Department of Mineral Resources is not forthcoming.
The dead received almost half a million. Underage people got over R244 000. Sitting in prison? You can still claim, and get, your share of R170 000. Invalid ID number? No problem, you could be among those who received R30-million in total. These, and more, are some of the appalling findings of the Auditor-General of South Africa’s first special Covid-19 real-time audit. Download and read.