Entries by Corruption Watch

Turning the tide on crime and corruption in pangolin scale and ivory trafficking

12th June 2025 in , /by

Corruption is an enabler of wildlife crime, and can occur at any stage along the illegal trade chain. With the involvement of organised crime syndicates, law enforcement agencies’ task is made that much more difficult. A glimmer of hope was revealed recently by the Wildlife Justice Commission, which reported that in the years since the Covid-19 lockdown lifted, trafficking in elephant ivory and pangolin scales remains at a fraction of the pre-Covid volumes.

WC High Court declares Hlophe’s appointment to JSC unconstitutional

3rd June 2025 in , , , , /by

Corruption Watch welcomes the judgment handed down yesterday, 2 June 2025, by the Western Cape High Court in the matter of the designation of Dr John Hlophe to the Judicial Services Commission. The court declared that Hlophe, an impeached former judge president of that same court, was not fit and suitable to serve on a body that safeguards the integrity and independence of the judiciary, and set his appointment aside.

Western Cape High Court sets aside Hlophe JSC appointment

3rd June 2025 in , , , /by

The Western Cape High Court ruled on 2 June 2025 that the impeached former judge president of that same court – now MP for the Mkhonto weSizwe Party – Dr John Hlophe, will not be part of the Judicial Services Commission. The court handed down a judgment that invalidated Parliament’s decision to designate Hlophe to the body, saying the appointment was unconstitutional and setting it aside. Hlophe’s party intends to appeal the judgment.

DPSA, Treasury on the hunt for ghost workers

30th May 2025 in , /by

The Department of Public Service and Administration appeared before Parliament this week to brief the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration on steps it is taking to clean up the pervasive problem of ghost workers on the government payroll. The department will work with National Treasury in this endeavour, and will continue to guide departments and government entities to improve public service ethics and integrity, and fight corruption.