The far-reaching lack of accountability for criminal conduct amongst our elected representatives, writes David Lewis, means that the only effective institutions of accountability, such as courts, regulators and civil society organisations, are those staffed by unelected individuals. We need to avoid this situation if we are to avoid a repeat of the decade-long state capture disaster.
The 2016-2017 municipal audit results, released by auditor-general Kimi Makwetu, paint a picture of an overall deterioration in compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act. Some municipalities put pressure on AG staff to suppress poor results – but if audit outcomes are not as desired, Makwetu says, energy should be directed to addressing the problem and not to threatening the auditors.
The problem of underperforming and chaotic state-owned enterprises and public institutions is just one area of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s governance that has seen changes in the first 100 days of his office. His term so far has been symbolised by several decisive moves aimed at reforming the public office and the law enforcement agencies that govern them.
Veteran policeman and doctor of criminal law Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya has been appointed as the head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, or Hawks. Lebeya has been in the running for top positions several times previously and lost out to others, but there is general agreement that he deserves his new appointment and is the right man for the job.
More details have emerged on the progress of the setting up of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. The commission has been gathering documentation from other state entities, and has permanent premises, a complement of investigators, and contact details which the public may use to submit any related evidence or information.
From Jennifer Lawrence to Pope Francis and even Padmé Amidala, many have expressed their ideas about corruption and its devastating effects. Here are some notable examples to inspire you in your personal anti-corruption fight.
Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties has invited comments from all stakeholders and interested parties, on the Political Party Funding Bill. Participants should send through their written submissions on the bill, or indicate if they would like to make an oral submission, from now until the closing date and time of 16h00 on 8 June 2018.
It is time for the Information Regulator to fulfil its duties to the residents of South Africa, says Odac, and the continued delays are unacceptable. The Regulator must start holding companies and organisations accountable to the Promotion of Access to Information Act and the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Corruption Watch has been informed by the National Prosecuting Authority that they are reviewing their decision not to prosecute Tom Moyane. Corruption Watch welcomed the filing of disciplinary charges against Moyane, the suspended commissioner of the South African Revenue Services, but we remain concerned at the apparent reluctance of the NPA to prosecute him.
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.