The Zondo reports ensure that corruption remains firmly embedded in the public discourse. Civil society must now push for quick action and real penalties, writes Karam Singh, executive director of Corruption Watch. Promises and platitudes will not defeat corruption – the guilty must be shown no mercy.
This extract from Pushing for Change – the 2021 Corruption Watch annual report –
is written by senior journalist Moepeng Talane and highlights the work of some of the organisation’s young activists. The annual report also marks the 10-year anniversary of Corruption Watch’s existence, and honours the role whistle-blowers have played in exposing corruption and holding the corrupt to account in South Africa.
Whistleblowers are like you and me, writes Moepeng Talane, a senior journalist and editor with Corruption Watch. They want the same things as you and me: a country that stands and thrives on the values of its people and cherishes the calling of public service. “Our collective responsibility does not end at putting an X next to our favoured political party or representative, but we are also encouraged, even mandated by our laws, to hold recipients of our votes accountable.”
The Special Investigating Unit has uncovered corruption networks which enabled National Lottery Commission officials, in cahoots with non-profit organisations, service providers, and other individuals, to siphon millions of rands from the commission’s coffers – money which the poor of this country had gambled with in the hopes of winning a better life. The SIU has embarked on litigation to recover these funds and set aside grants awarded irregularly.
General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola has been appointed as South Africa’s new national police commissioner, replacing Kehla Sithole who finishes his last day in office today. Masemola is a career policeman who, it is expected, will ensure continuity in the top cop position – but Corruption Watch has expressed concern that his appointment was devoid of transparency and public participation.
The 2021 edition of Corruption Watch’s annual report, released today, puts whistle-blowers at the forefront of the organisation’s achievements in its 10-year existence. It is through the decisive action of these courageous and committed people that CW has been able to apply pressure on leaders and push for change.
Corruption Watch (CW) marks 10 years of activism in 2022. Since the day the organisation opened its doors – on 26 January 2012 – it has taken guidance from the […]
A joint study from the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa and the Ethics Institute, published at the end of 2021, has shed light on the workings of social and ethics committees. These committees are mandatory in all state-owned and listed companies, as well as those with a public interest score of more than 500, and are responsible for monitoring and measuring the impact that certain specified company activities have on communities and the public at large.
Corruption Watch will release its 10th annual report on Thursday 31 March. Titled Pushing for change, the special edition report includes an overview of the organisation’s anti-corruption efforts since inception, highlighting the journey leading up to activities in 2021.