Entries by Corruption Watch

Moyane down again, but seemingly not out

Embattled former Sars head Tom Moyane has suffered yet another court setback, after the North Gauteng High Court today dismissed his application to have President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to fire him overturned. Moyane is fighting tooth and nail to keep his job, but Judge Hans Fabricius ruled that the national interest was far greater than Moyane’s personal interest.

Whistle-blower protection a focus of IACD

Delegates at the official international anti-corruption day event, held in Tshwane on Monday, 10 December, discussed the role of whistle-blowers and witnesses in upholding democracy, and the seriousness of the need to protect them from victimisation. Other topics discussed included consequence management, as well as the media’s role in covering corruption. In addition, delegates were told of a newly rejuvenated anti-corruption task team process that enjoys political will and leadership for the first time in years.

IACD: trillions lost to corruption

Yesterday, 9 December, marked the annual International Anti-Corruption Day, set up by the UN to raise awareness of the devastating impact of corruption, and to look back on the year and assess progress in the fight to eradicate the scourge. Every year, trillions of dollars – equivalent to more than 5% of global GDP – are paid in bribes or stolen through corruption, the UN has reported.

Swift action needed on party funding bill

The Political Party Funding Bill should be signed into law as quickly as possible, writes Judith February, as a system of public disclosure has become the generally accepted way of limiting political corruption in countries around the world. Scandals in South Africa’s recent past have given significant impetus to the drive for transparency, regulation and clean governance, which are the principles underpinning the party funding bill.

G20 must implement its anti-corruption promises

The G20 has been urged – yet again – by civil society groups to finally implement the commitments it has made over the years to fight corruption. “We are tired of empty promises,” said Transparency International. “Implement your anti-corruption commitments now!” Speeches and documents are not enough, added the organisation – rather, genuine action is what the world needs to fight corruption.

Zondo Commission – week 15 overview

Explosive revelations into the belly of the ANC, captured ministers who relinquished their authority to private citizens, and a dramatic request for a recusal, made for a hectic week at the commission of inquiry into state capture. Witnesses included ANC veteran Cheryl Carolus, former minister of public service administration Ngoako Ramatlhodi, former GCIS head Mzwanele Manyi, and ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe.

CW wins $250K to launch police accountability project

Corruption Watch has been named one of the winners in the Google Impact Challenge South Africa, at an event held at Johannesburg, last night. Our project – Bua Mzansi: Know Your Police Station – seeks to hold the police service accountable and improve transparency, by bringing together the two key corruption-fighting ingredients of an active citizenry and effective law enforcement.