In these times of poor national leadership and rampant unethical behaviour, a business focus on and engagement with ethical conduct should be a prioritised imperative, writes Cynthia Schoeman. In this way, the business sector can meaningfully contribute toward greater ethical behaviour in South Africa and in so doing, reduce the spread of lowest-common-denominator unethical behaviour.
South Africa’s proposed national anti-corruption strategy has the potential to succeed, but success will depend on factors such as the complete autonomy and efficiency of state institutions in the country, and building the independence of crime-fighting bodies, as well as improved coordination between all role-players in the fight against corruption.
Our democracy takes the shape of elected representatives on whom we rely to act in our best interests, writes Sabeehah Motala. When this doesn’t happen we vent our outrage publicly and in our numbers, but this doesn’t always result in the change we seek. Yet we are not helpless, and building integrity in ourselves and our communities is just the first step towards overcoming indifference to corruption.
Corruption Watch has written to finance minister Malusi Gigaba, requesting clarification on the date on which the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) amendment act will commence, as well as timeframes for the finalisation of regulations and schedules required to support the implementation of the act.
The national anti-corruption strategy is now open for public discussion. We look at the main take-home points which will inform forward progress.
The South African Police Service is developing a draft anti-corruption strategy which provides for, among others, the establishment of a dedicated internal capability to conduct criminal investigations against members allegedly involved in corrupt and fraudulent activities. Johan Burger and Stefan Grobler of the Institute for Security Studies argue that this is a good idea, provided it is properly staffed and managed.
The decision by the South African Social Services Agency to oppose legal action by Corruption Watch, over irregular expenditure incurred in 2015 for the re-registration of beneficiaries by Cash Paymaster Service, was deemed irrational by the agency. It has withdrawn from the case and its CEO Thokozani Magwaza assured Parliament that Sassa would abide by whatever decision the court makes.
This latest timeline, spanning just two months, shows how President Jacob Zuma and his cronies have been taking punches from all corners, with groups from every sector of society – including the ANC itself – now calling on Zuma to step down amidst allegations of corruption and state capture. The fight back against state capture is well under way. But with the pace of politics accelerating it won’t be over until either Parliament or the ANC itself removes Zuma and his associates from office.
The Eskom saga, involving its former/current CEO Brian Molefe, has got people talking, but it is not always easy to keep up with the rapid revelations. We’ve put together an overview of the major developments, based on information that is in the public domain.
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.