If anything, 2018 was even more of a momentous year than was 2017. Here are some highlights in the anti-corruption space, most of which involve government of government officials being held to account. From the removal of former president Jacob Zuma, to shocking revelations of state capture, 2018 was a year to remember.
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.
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.
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.
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.
President Cyril Ramaphosa today announced that Advocate Shamila Batohi is the new national director of public prosecutions. This followed a transparent recruitment process in which the public was invited to submit nominations, and was also able to watch the interviews of the shortlisted candidates.
What does ethical business practice mean to you and your company? To us, it means this: Public disclosure of: Anti-corruption programme; Company holdings (organisational transparency); Country-by-country financial reporting; Good governance […]
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.
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.
Visit our GivenGain R20 for Change page and help us demand transparency in our systems, accountability in our leaders, and better empowerment and protection of whistle-blowers. By donating R20 a month, you’ll be supporting our work with communities across the country, helping them to know and access their rights and reduce the corruption that robs people of resources intended for their benefit.