Entries by Corruption Watch

CW demands transparency in promised Bain investigation

10 September 2018 in , /by

Responding to the news of yet another multinational using deviousness to cause instability in South Africa, Corruption Watch has called for a review of the excessive use of management consultants, as – judging by the conduct of KPMG, McKinsey and Bain – they may turn out to be little more than corrupters of our public procurement system. The organisation has further called for a criminal probe into the conduct of Bain South Africa’s CEO Vittorio Massone.

Zondo Commission – week 3 overview

10 September 2018 in , /by

In week three of the Zondo Commission into state capture there were accusations, counter-accusations, and applications by implicated parties to cross-examine witnesses. Those applying included the Gupta family, Duduzane Zuma, Fana Hlongwane, former presidential chief of staff Lakela Kaunda and the Hawks’ advocate Mandla Mtolo. The commission’s chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, is expected to deliver his decisions on the applications on Monday 10 September.

Mnquma Local Municipality – a failure of governance

7 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

6 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

4 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

3 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

3 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

3 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

30 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.