South Africa’s electoral system requires reform because, while it does support important democratic values of fairness and inclusivity, it is weak on the value of accountability. A report by an electoral task team recommended reforms to boost this value – but it has languished in Parliament since being tabled in 2003.
Our zeroes this week are all those who promote the culture of underperforming or crooked employees resigning or reaching settlements, rather than facing the music for irregular activities. This includes those on the giving as well as the receiving side.
It seems the ace in every politician’s hand is the sub judice rule, which somehow makes difficult questions go away. What does sub judice mean, and why are these words so powerful?
This week a campaign called Stop the Bleeding was launched in Nairobi – its sole aim is to eradicate the practice of illicit financial flows that, every year, bleed Africa to the tune of $50-billion. This is money that should have gone towards development interests for millions of Africans.
The world’s deadliest place for kids is Angola, according to New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof. His mini-documentary touches on the rampant corruption in oil-rich Angola, which is depriving children of education and contributing to the highest rate of child mortality in the world.
Corruption Watch has complained to both the National Prosecuting Authority and the Department of Justice about what it says is a threat from the NPA’s commercial crimes head, advocate Lawrence Mrwebi. In an e-mail, Mrwebi said he could be interested in investigating its finances.
Corruption is a leading indicator for political instability and unrest, says a new study from the Institute for Economics and Peace. The study also highlights the presence of a tipping point, where small increases in corruption result in large decreases in the levels of peace.
The new head of the National Prosecuting Authority has his work cut out in rebuilding the credibility and reputation of the organisation. But will he last the full 10 years of his tenure? None of his predecessors have.
Where are the voices of those leaders who put their lives on the line to secure South Africa’s freedom, writes Kavisha Pillay. They are needed now in this time of moral crisis.
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.