Entries by Corruption Watch

Mid-term budget policy speech: full text

24th October 2018 in , /by

Finance minister Tito Mboweni delivered his maiden medium-term budget policy statement today. Mboweni prioritised urgent and pressing matters in education and health – including the zero VAT-rating of sanitary pads and free access to these necessities for all schoolgirls – the reformation of state-owned enterprises, and investment in municipal infrastructure, among others. Read the full text of his speech, and download a copy of the budget policy statement.

Panel swings into action in search for new NDPP

23rd October 2018 in , /by

The process to choose a successor to Shaun Abrahams, former national director of public prosecutions, has begun. On Monday the panel tasked with selecting suitable candidates met for the first time. The panel expects to be able to send names to President Cyril Ramaphosa by 7 December. The public is encouraged to get involved by nominating people whom they believe would be right for the job.

Joint statement on fighting corruption – 18th IACC

23rd October 2018 in , , /by

More than 45 national governments, businesses and organisations have endorsed a joint statement issued at the start of the 2018 International Anti-Corruption Conference. Among other points, the signatories acknowledged the important role that civil society and media play in exposing and confronting corruption. They also recognised the importance of protecting whistle-blowers in both the private and public sectors.

2018 Anti-Corruption Award recipients announced

22nd October 2018 in , , , /by

TTransparency International announced yesterday evening that there are two winners of this year’s Anti-Corruption Award. They are Ana Garrido Ramos and Daphne Caruana Galizia, who receives the award posthumously. Each of the four finalists for this year’s award – three individuals and an organisation – risked their lives and their reputations because they believed it is better to stand up and fight than to do nothing.

Now is the time to act against corruption – 18th IACC kicks off

22nd October 2018 in , , , /by

The 18th International Anti-Corruption Conference gets under way today in Copenhagen, Denmark. Under the theme of Together for Development, Peace, and Security: Now is the Time to Act, delegates will strive to turn the pledge of action into reality, by supporting and empowering everyone interested and committed to the fight against corruption and social change.

The argument for an int’l anti-corruption court

19th October 2018 in , /by

An international anti-corruption court would provide the essential forum for prosecuting corrupt leaders of countries that are unwilling or unable to discharge this duty themselves, write former Constitutional Court justice Richard Goldstone and Robert Rotberg, former Harvard professor. The two are not alone in believing that cases of grand corruption fall outside the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

Calling young activists against land corruption in Africa!

17th October 2018 in , , , /by

Transparency International has launched a competition to bring more young people into its programme on land and corruption in Africa. The organisation is targeting youth with an instinct for innovation and the drive to tackle corruption in the land sector, and invites anyone with a good idea to apply – the only criteria for eligibility are age (between 18 and 35) and country of residence (anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa). The deadline is 31 October.

EU golden visa programme a risky business

15th October 2018 in , /by

The EU’s various so-called golden visa programmes, offered by some 13 countries, is more than just a quick way to gain residency or citizenship – if you’re wealthy enough. It also poses a significant corruption and money-laundering risk, especially when due diligence is not done. Transparency International and Global Witness are calling on the EU to take action to set common standards and mechanisms for reducing the corruption risk posed by golden visa programmes.