South Africa experienced a fascinating week, politically speaking, last week. As can be expected, the world was watching and some of the leading global news agencies reported on the events of the past few days, including “Guptagate” and the confirmation by Fifa -and later denial by South Africa – of a 2010 World Cup bribe.
Our zero for this week is the Mopani District Municipality, for failing its community by allowing a water crisis to develop under its watch – despite awarding a R170m tender that has yielded nothing for the community, some of whom now have to buy water to stay alive.
Mxolisi Nxasana was not forced out of his position as head of the Nationa Prosecuting Authority, says President Jacob Zuma in an affidavit – he was willing to resign. That alleged willingness earned Nxasana a R17m golden handshake, which Corruption Watch and Freedom Under Law are fighting in court.
The controversy surrounding the relationship between the president and the Gupta family demands immediate resolution, says Corruption Watch executive director David Lewis. The organisation has called for criminal justice authorities to look closely into the matter.
The Seriti Commission cost over R113-million of taxpayers’ money, more than half of which went into the bank accounts of evidence leaders. The nation now waits for the revelations of the final report, which has been sitting with President Jacob Zuma for almost three months.
Over the past 50 years, Africa is estimated to have lost more than $1-trillion in illicit financial flows, writes Khayalethu Hamana, but this may well fall short of reality, because accurate data does not exist for many countries. And let’s not even mention Swiss bank accounts.
Our heroes this week are the people of Umjindi municipality, who are refusing a merger with the neighbouring municipality on account of “administrative weakness and corruption”.
In its annual report for 2015, released today, Corruption Watch highlights the power of public participation in the fight against corruption. Since we launched in January 2012, we’ve received more than 10 000 reports.
South Africa’s Public Protector, set up under chapter nine of the Constitution, is an independent, impartial institution that is meant to increase the accountability and responsibility of other branches of government. Find out more about this important office with our Bua Mzansi campaign.