Corruption Watch has achieved much in the first decade of its existence, but there is more work still to be done, writes the organisation’s acting chairperson Mzukisi Qobo. The continuing fight against corruption will require collaboration across civil society, the business community, and state agencies that are tasked with checking corruption.
Whistleblowers expose unlawful or immoral activities conducted by people, organisations, corporations or governments. Too often, they risk their own safety to bring human rights abusers to account and to achieve justice for the abused.
Today, 3 May, is World Press Freedom Day. We may not all like or even tolerate the media, but a free press is a vital component of any strong democracy because it holds power to account, fights for the truth, and informs voters so they can make their mark with authority.
Since 26 March 2020 there has been no way for refugees to apply for asylum, writes Tariro Washinyira for GroundUp, but with the recent lifting of the national state of disaster, the Department of Home Affairs will reopen its in-person services for refugees. The services – notably new asylum applications – are available from today, 3 May 2022.
Optics are important in any government, anywhere. Politicians want to look good. But when optics and pretty words are all that’s delivered, then governance is fractured, and public trust remains in the doldrums.
Soon after the government’s announcement of relief funds for flood-stricken KwaZulu-Natal, civil society, business and beyond started blowing the warning whistle on potential corruption before it even happened, writes Karam Singh, Corruption Watch’s CEO.
Racketeering charges may seem like just another charge among many, but they can be used to secure convictions of corrupt high-ranking officials who steal public money for personal enrichment
It is time to consider and define the theft and corruption of disaster relief funding as a crime against humanity, a treason against the people, writes the Daily Maverick in an editorial. The latest shameless show of greed centres on donations meant for rescue efforts after the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal. It wasn’t long before the vultures were circling.
The Political Party Funding Act was enforced on 1 April 2021. The legislation has been largely welcomed as it seeks, among others, to limit the control private donors have over political parties – however, it is already in danger of being amended, through a push by the governing ANC for more lenient requirements.