Entries by Corruption Watch

Mnquma Local Municipality – a failure of governance

7th September 2018 in , , /by

Mnquma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape is an example of what happens when processes are ignored, unqualified officials are hired, and the Auditor-General’s warnings and recommendations are not implemented. As an entity that exists to prioritise residents and provide them with essential services, it is a dismal failure. Corruption Watch launched an investigation to allegations of corruption at Mnquma but was met with brick walls at every turn. The investigation remains unsolved.

CW raises concerns over unchecked corruption at refugee centre

6th September 2018 in , , , /by

Corruption Watch has today written to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs in respect of the rampant corruption and maladministration that continues unabated at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre in Marabastad, Pretoria. We emphasised that since 2015 we have tried to work with the Department of Home Affairs to urgently resolve this issue, but the department has not shown any interest in co-operation.

CW gathers input for submissions to NACS

4th September 2018 in , , , /by

On Friday 31 August, Corruption Watch put forward its submission on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) to the Anti-Corruption Inter-Ministerial Committee, after spending some weeks conducting its own workshops to raise awareness of the existence of the NACS. The organisation engaged with communities, civil society organisations and business, in the interests of ensuring a genuine process of consultation.

Zondo Commission – week 2 overview

3rd September 2018 in , /by

Week two of the Zondo Commission into state capture saw the spotlight fall on former president Jacob Zuma and the vast influence that he permitted the Gupta family to wield over various government functions and appointments. Witnesses included former GCIS head Themba Maseko, current acting GCIS director-general Phumla WIlliams, and former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor.

CW makes submission to Nugent Commission of Inquiry into Sars

3rd September 2018 in , , , , /by

Corruption Watch has made submissions to the Nugent Commission of Inquiry into tax administration and governance, which is sitting at the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and is led by retired Judge Robert Nugent. The submissions highlight the organisation’s ongoing efforts to achieve accountability for alleged acts of corruption and other unlawful conduct on the part of the suspended Sars commissioner Tom Moyane and two senior Sars employees, Jonas Makwakwa and Kelly-Ann Elskie.

SA making progress on beneficial ownership, but CSOs left out

3rd September 2018 in , , , /by

South Africa completed its Open Government Partnership commitment in respect of beneficial ownership, the OGP mid-term progress report, released earlier this year, reveals – but its impact is negligible and in addition, civil society organisations have been left out in the cold. The latter situation does not advance the OGP values of access to information and technology and innovation for openness and accountability.

ConCourt holds Sassa accountable for second CPS contract extension

30th August 2018 in , , , /by

The Constitutional Court today ordered the South African Social Security Agency and its former acting CEO Pearl Bhengu, in her official capacity, to pay costs – including that of an advocate and two counsel – for the agency’s urgent March 2018 application to extend the controversial contract with Cash Paymaster Services. Sassa wanted an extension, which was granted, to an already existing extension – but as the urgency was self-created, the ConCourt ruled today, the applicants were liable for costs.

Zondo Commission – week 1 overview

27th August 2018 in , /by

Former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas dropped a bombshell last week in testimony at the Zondo Commission into state capture. He revealed that not only had the Gupta brothers offered him R600-million to become the next finance minister and carry out their agenda from the inside, but that he had been threatened with his life if he told anyone of the meeting at which the offer was made.