South Africa has not been a trailblazer on the continent in terms of reforming its public procurement system. A new article by Edwin Muhumuza of the Open Contracting Partnership shows that in terms of factors such as professionalisation, centralisation, and public registers, South Africa lagged well behind, rather than leading.
Public participation in democratic processes is not only a citizen’s right, but a duty. Such participation ensures that members of the public have a say in decisions that affect them. There are various ways in which citizens can get involved with the various structures and institutions of democracy; in this article we talk about some easy avenues for participation.
One significant message emerging from the inaugural national anti-corruption dialogue, hosted this week by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, is that all South Africans must pitch in to help fight a problem that affects all facets of society. An all-of-society approach is therefore the key to successfully tackling corruption.
As the country begins to gear up for national elections next year, the Department of Home Affairs has announced extended hours on Saturday 11 November 2023, from 08h00 to 13h00, for citizens to collect their IDs and passports ahead of the upcoming voter registration weekend on 18 and 19 November. Offices will also be open on this registration weekend to assist voters with IDs.
In the fifth and final episode of Corruption Watch’s new podcast series on land and corruption in the agricultural sector, we explore how policies introduced along with the new democratic order could inadvertently be responsible for the continued suffering of labour tenants and other social groups trying to access and own land. The series forms part of our work in the second phase of Transparency International’s Land and Corruption in Africa project, which seeks to address land corruption risks and injustices in sub-Saharan Africa.
Corruption Watch joins the growing calls from around the world for an immediate ceasefire to Israel’s war on the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Episode 4 of Corruption Watch’s new five-part podcast series tells a story of broken promises, dashed hopes, and the greedy machinations of a cohort of white farmers who, despite their outrageous wealth, nonetheless squeeze their farm workers for every little cent extra. This series forms part of our work in the second phase of Transparency International’s Land and Corruption in Africa project, which seeks to address land corruption risks and injustices in sub-Saharan Africa.
Comments are now open for the draft National Policing Policy. The deadline is 30 November 2023. Section 206 of the South African Constitution provides for the police minister to determine and develop the policy – now is the time to have your say!
A recently concluded investigation into corruption and irregular procurement at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has revealed major concerns with the issuing of a tender to four service providers, for direct payment to students. The official implicated is CEO Andile Nongogo. At the time of writing the report was not publicly available, but the organisation’s chairperson Ernest Khoza shared some insight into the findings, and actions the board planned to take.