The fall of former president Jacob Zuma and the arrest of his son Duduzane did not happen in a vacuum, writes David Lewis in the Sunday Times – many individuals and organisations played a key role, from a lively civil society to honest bureaucrats, the judiciary, media and voters – and rats deserting the listing ship.
A group of civil society organisations, including Corruption Watch, has issued a joint statement condemning attacks – physical, written and verbal – on CSOs and activists. The organisations call for action against the perpetrators of these attacks, and insist that people be allowed to freely exercise their constitutional rights without reprisal.
Without active civil society organisations in South Africa, writes Prof William Gumede in a recent policy brief for Democracy Works, the rollback of democratic rights in the past few years, the decline in the public service delivery and rising corruption would have been ultimately worse. Civil society organisations have strengthened and supported democracy in South Africa in numerous ways, which Gumede discusses at length.
The governance crisis in Fifa will continue until the organisation’s home country Switzerland takes the lead in reforms to clean up the sport, writes law professor Bruce Bean in a new report. “Although recent proceedings brought by the US Justice Department have secured 26 guilty pleas and verdicts, that effort is hardly a start at reforming football. Action by Switzerland and internationally is essential to reining in the ‘cesspit of corruption’ at the world’s most popular sport.”
Corruption Watch and the Department of Trade and Industry are aware of an advertisement currently circulating on social media claiming that the department and Transnet is recruiting for general work posts in all nine provinces. Please note that this is not the case and the message is a hoax. All posts that are available and open for application are advertised on the official websites of the two entities.
Transparency International has penned an open letter to the African Union, which has declared 11 July as the African Anti-Corruption Day, and 2018 as the African Anti-Corruption Year (Project 2018) with the theme “Winning the fight against corruption: a sustainable path to Africa’s transformation.” The global organisation has submitted recommendations to the AU which might assist it in its fight against corruption on the continent – read the letter here.
The Supreme Court of Appeal has overturned the 2016 North Gauteng High Court ruling that struck National Prosecuting Authority deputy head Nomgcobo Jiba and special director of public prosecutions Lawrence Mrwebi, off the roll of advocates.
A Kenyan football referee, who had been selected to officiate at the 2018 Fifa World Cup, has been handed a life ban after being caught on camera in a bribery sting. The man was filmed accepting money to influence the outcome of a match in another tournament earlier this year – but he was just one of dozens whose greed betrayed them on camera.
There is just one week left in which to nominate your anti-corruption hero or heroes for the 2018 Transparency International Anti-Corruption Award! Nominations close at midnight on 15 July – you may use the online nomination form, or send an e-mail highlighting the achievements of your preferred candidate. Details in our article.
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.