Entries by Corruption Watch

Corruption as an enabler of wildlife, forest and fisheries crime: part 5

6th October 2021 in , /by

Our previous episodes in this wildlife series established that with the help of corruption, weak regulations and increasingly sophisticated networks, there is a lot of money to be raked in from the illegal wildlife trade. In the fifth and final part we read how criminals move, hide and launder their proceeds by exploiting weaknesses in the financial and non-financial sectors. This enables further wildlife crimes and damages the integrity of the global financial system. 

No sustained youth development without transparency and accountability

4th October 2021 in , , /by

Corruption adds an extra, unwanted challenge to the list of those already facing South African youth, writes Mzwandile Banjathwa, Corruption Watch project coordinator. Unemployment is one of the biggest concerns, but when the very agencies that are tasked with helping young people gain skills and find opportunities are themselves plagued by corruption, what then?

Digital Vibes saga shows importance of transparency, access to information

1st October 2021 in , , /by

Despite unending promises of rooting out and dealing with corruption, the disturbing trend in the governing party continues unabated. The release of the long-awaited report into the Digital Vibes tender scandal highlights the extent of just one corrupt network and emphasises the importance of transparency and access to information. Meanwhile, the nation waits for meaningful consequences for the perpetrators.

Int’l Day for Universal Access to Information: the right to know

28th September 2021 in , , /by

Corruption Watch, like many other organisations and individuals, relies on access to information to carry out its mandate. Today, on International Day for Universal Access to Information, we reflect on the importance of access to reliable information, and how lack of such access can impede the development of a culture of transparency and accountability.

Corruption is rife in the Covid-19 era. Here’s how to fight back

27th September 2021 in , /by

As the Covid-19 pandemic mounts, writes Tim Hanstad for the World Economic Forum, we must build a coalition of civil society, business leaders, dedicated government officials and funders to strengthen government accountability and effectiveness and change the trajectory of this pandemic and our futures. Businesses should join civil society’s call for greater accountability from governments because they too must live with the consequences should governments fail.

More police visibility, more police corruption, says ACT report

22nd September 2021 in , , , /by

The fifth instalment of Corruption Watch’s Analysis of Corruption Trends report, released today, shows that police-related allegations continue to top the list of sectoral reports received by the organisation. Corruption within law enforcement is so widespread that ordinary citizens are often forced to partake in corrupt activities or suffer a penalty. Corruption relating to schools, housing, and Covid-19 are also prevalent in our whistle-blowers’ complaints.