Entries by Corruption Watch

Accelerating beneficial ownership transparency in Africa

10th August 2021 in , /by

Sustaining momentum and accelerating the implementation of beneficial ownership disclosure will remain key in regional efforts to tackle corporate secrecy in Africa, write Maureen Kariuki, Karabo Rajuiliand, and Edwin Wuadom Warden for the Open Government Partnership. The continent’s efforts to mobilise its vast resources remain hamstrung by corporate anonymity, which facilitates illicit financial flows and the loss of billions of dollars every year.

Corruption as an enabler of wildlife, forest and fisheries crime: part 4

6th August 2021 in , /by

In recent years the illegal perlemoen trade has overlapped with the increased flow of drugs such as methamphetamine (tik) and methaqualone (white pipe) into and methamphetamine to South Africa, with the former commodity being traded for the latter. Corruption plays a part in this, as does lax policing, poor regulation, and a huge demand for the marine delicacy from the Far East.

CW submits comments on the Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2020

4th August 2021 in , , , /by

Corruption Watch has submitted comments on the Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2020, focusing on four issues: firearm ownership for self-defence, accountability in relation to firearm ownership, accountability of police and official institutions, and the Firearms Appeal Board. However, we cautioned that legislative amendments alone will not be effective in reducing violent crime, if we continue to have a weak, infiltrated, and ineffective policing service.

Civil society coalition launches as watchdog over political party funding

3rd August 2021 in , , /by

The Coalition on Party Funding, launched on 3 August 2021, comprises civil society organisations and activists, and is supported by the work of journalists. It aims to deepen democracy and hold leaders of political parties to account, with an initial focus on ensuring that the new Political Party Funding Act is implemented effectively and does what it purports. The coalition will also support the Independent Electoral Commission in its mandate to administer the PPFA, ensuring that the commission is adequately capacitated.

Corruption as an enabler of wildlife, forest and fisheries crime: part 3

27th July 2021 in , /by

In part 3 of our corruption in wildlife crime series, we discuss the convergence of wildlife crime and other crime, such as money laundering, drug or human trafficking, or fraud. Experts agree that to be effective, measures must include enhanced international co-operation, the involvement of all relevant enforcement agencies, the recognition of wildlife crime as a type of organised crime, and corruption and financial investigations to help recover the ill-gotten proceeds.

CW scrutinises Land Court bill, makes submission to Parliament

26th July 2021 in , , , /by

Corruption Watch has made a written submission on the Land Court bill of 2021, The organisation has focused on several vulnerabilities in the bill’s provisions, including no effective mechanisms that reduce the scope for corruption, and unclear indications as to how it will address existing systemic hurdles that make it difficult for land claimants to obtain land restitution. Download our submission for the full details.