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.
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.
Some of the Gupta family’s stolen funds from the Estina Dairy Farm project may have been converted into diamonds, write Khadija Sharife and Josy Joseph for the OCCRP. If this is the case, it will be that much harder to trace.
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.
Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan, appearing recently before the parliamentary portfolio committee on public enterprises, revealed his plan for eradicating corruption and bringing back good governance, based on the clear demarcation of powers.
What do you do when it looks like the only chance you’ll have to get that big contract for your small company is through unlawful means? Find out in It’s Time for us to eat, the newest story in the ongoing FunDza Literary Trust / Corruption Watch partnership.
Deputy Chief Justice Raymong Zondo has remarked on the paucity of people willing to come forward and testify at the commission on state capture, now sitting in Johannesburg. But, writes Rebecca Davis in this Daily Maverick piece, are we surprised, given that South Africa’s record at supporting its whistle-blowers is so appalling?
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, known as the Zondo Commission, commences its hearings today. The commission will be investigating matters such the Gupta family’s attempt to bribe former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas in order to gain control of the National Treasury, their offer of a cabinet position to former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor, and possible violations of the Executive Ethics Code by former president Jacob Zuma.
Corruption Watch recently welcomed to our offices a newly-elected SGB member, who was looking for guidance and support. He went off, enlightened and empowered, and returned to us some weeks later, this time to report abuse of power. Because he took it upon himself to learn about his role and responsibilities as an SGB member, he was in a position to hold school leadership accountable for questionable behaviour.
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.