Entries by Corruption Watch

State employees benefit from irregular business with govt

23rd May 2017 in , /by

The Auditor-General recently reported to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts that it had uncovered payments of R32-million by the government to 30 of its employees who had not obtained permission to bid on government contracts. The Auditor-General’s office expressed concern to the committee that there has been no consequence for public officials doing business with the state, despite recommendations made years ago on how best to address the issue.

NACS discussion document: what’s it about?

21st May 2017 in , /by

The South African government released its draft national anti-corruption strategy on 9 May. The release was delayed by some months. Last year Corruption Watch was engaged in the process that prepared the draft, along with other pertinent civil society organisations. We welcome the initiative, but we know that it will not succeed unless all sectors of business, government and society buy into it.

Secret ballot refusal would be obstruction in Parly

19th May 2017 in , /by

There can be no doubt that those who vote against their official party line potentially suffer prejudice in the form of both harm to their livelihoods and harm to their persons, writes David Lewis. However, in the case of the upcoming vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma, the speaker should know that were she to refuse a secret ballot, she would again be obstructing Parliament’s ability to hold the executive to account.

CW expresses outrage at Molefe reinstatement

12th May 2017 in , , , , /by

Corruption Watch has expressed outrage at the return of Brian Molefe to the position of Eskom CEO, from which he resigned in November 2016. We have written to the chairperson of the Eskom Board, Ben Ngubane, and copied the minister of public enterprises Lynne Brown, condemning this decision and demanding copies of correspondence between Ngubane, Molefe and Minister Brown that pertains to this decision.

Apply for the TI Summer School on Integrity 2017

12th May 2017 in , , /by

Applications will close shortly for the Transparency School on Integrity (TISI) 2017, taking place from 10-16 July 2017 in Vilnius, Lithuania. All university students, graduates and young professionals under the age of 35 are eligible to apply. TISI welcomes individuals from public, private, non-governmental and academic sectors, and from all academic backgrounds. Corruption Watch has partnered with the South African Local Government Association and the Lithuanian embassy in South Africa to provide an opportunity for youth from Gauteng to attend TISI 2017.

The economics of corruption

10th May 2017 in , /by

The principles of economic activity are driving corruption, writes Zola Valashiya. A demand for an item or a service – such as the irregularly speedy issuing of drivers’ licenses – creates the opportunity for someone to supply that service. It’s partly because of inefficiency and partly because we love speed and convenience that we provide the market for that service.