Entries by Corruption Watch

Fine qualifications alone do not a public protector make

18th September 2023 in , , , /by

The unprecedented removal of Busisiwe Mkhwebane as public protector highlights the importance of selecting the right person for a job – especially one of such importance – through a rigorous process that disregards party or cadre issues and focuses solely on merit and suitability. Since 2016 Corruption Watch has been campaigning for such processes to become the norm in government leadership appointments.

Media advisory: report launch – Tracking Trends in Public Procurement

13th September 2023 in , , /by

On 20 September 2023, Corruption Watch and procurement expert Prof Geo Quinot, of Stellenbosch University, will launch the third in the organisation’s series of Procurement Watch reports. The launch will take place during a webinar where Quinot will will unpack trends observed in public procurement deviations and expansions as well as developments in the lists of tender defaulters and restricted suppliers respectively.

SA-France partnership will enhance local and regional anti-cyber-crime skills

12th September 2023 in , /by

South Africa’s justice and correctional services minster Ronald Lamola and Catherine Colonna, the French foreign affairs minister, recently signed a co-operation protocol agreement which will boost the capacity of the Special Investigating Unit to fight cyber-crime. In addition, under the agreement a regional academy will be set up to train Southern African cyber investigators.

PRWG issues statement on the Public Procurement Bill 2023

11th September 2023 in , , , , /by

The Procurement Reform Working Group, an association of civil society organisations, has issued a statement highlighting various critical issues that must be addressed urgently. Among these are the group’s concerns that the current regulatory framework is too complex, and that complexity plays a big role in public procurement dysfunctionality.

Move on from blaming apartheid, ANC govt, and take responsibility for failures

8th September 2023 /0 Comments/in , , /by

Leading government comes with responsibilities that politicians do not always appear to grasp, writes Moepeng Valencia Talane for CW Voices – especially the broad principle of accountability when things go wrong. In recent years, politicians – particularly those in the ruling party – have often missed the opportunity to admit failures in governance, instead invoking what many call the ‘apartheid card’. It’s an unfortunate trend for which they are forgiven a lot, and it does not take us forward as a country.

Another NSFAS debacle puts students’ futures at risk

6th September 2023 in , /by

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is embroiled in a fresh set of controversies – one that is affecting the prospects of students to finish their education. The nonchalant attitude at the scheme, and the long-standing corruption, should be of huge concern for those who serve oversight on it, since they are the same people who, year after year, promise financial relief to the underprivileged.