Entries by Corruption Watch

IEC launches 2021 local govt elections campaign, aims to attract youth voters

9th June 2021 in , /by

The Independent Electoral Commission has launched its mobilisation campaign for the upcoming 2021 local government elections, scheduled for 27 October under the theme Every Voice Together. The campaign aims to attract young people who are under-represented on the voters roll. And while the commission has been challenged by the current unprecedented conditions, and there are enormous ramifications to both postponing and proceeding with elections, it says it is technically ready to hold them.

Pressure on independent media reflects investigative journalism’s impact

4th June 2021 in , /by

In this article, written for the 2021 World Press Freedom Day, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project lauds all those investigative journalists across the world who have “given corrupt governments something to fear”. The increasing levels of harassment, intimidation, incarceration and censorship these journalists face, says the organisation, is a sure sign that people who have something to hide are very worried.

Encouraged whistle-blowing – could it work for SA’s public procurement?

2nd June 2021 in , , , /by

In a number of jurisdictions around the world, whistle-blowers can expect some kind of monetary reward if a case which they have exposed is successfully prosecuted. This incentive, argues the Public Affairs Research Institute, can be a useful and effective weapon in the fight against public procurement corruption, as it will offer a degree of compensation to whistle-blowers who, in our country, face tremendous risks and stand to lose a great deal.

Zuma pleads not guilty, corruption trial postponed to 19 July

26th May 2021 in , /by

The corruption trial of former president Jacob Zuma and his co-accused, French arms manufacturer Thales, resumed today in the Pietermaritzburg High Court after a week-long break, but has been postponed until 19 July by Judge Piet Koen. This is to give the state time to analyse the documents related to the special plea Zuma has entered for the removal of lead prosecutor, Advocate Billy Downer of the National Prosecuting Authority, and prepare its response.

New report reveals questionable use of public emergency funds for Covid-19

26th May 2021 in , /by

A new report, released in April 2021 by the Financial Transparency Coalition, reveals that an astounding 63% of the Covid-19 recovery funds spent in developing countries so far have boosted the bank accounts of big corporations instead of going toward welfare, small firms, or those working in the informal economy. Furthermore, the distribution of recovery funds, including those provided by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, is marked by a lack of transparency.

Opacity in Covid vaccine trials, sales contracts could scupper global response

25th May 2021 in , /by

A new report released today by Transparency International and Toronto University shows that transparency in information relating to Covid-19 vaccine clinical trials and contracts is the exception rather than the rule. For Whose Benefit? is an in-depth study of the development and sale of the world’s top 20 Covid-19 vaccines, including those developed by AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer.

Zuma to plead ‘not guilty’ when corruption trial resumes on 26 May

17th May 2021 in , /by

The corruption trial of former president Jacob Zuma and his co-accused, French arms manufacturer Thales, has begun. Judge Piet Koen adjourned today’s proceedings until 26 May, to accommodate an application regarding the presence of state advocate Billy Downer in the case. Zuma’s formal plea of ‘not guilty’ will be entered on the same day. The trial is set to run from 17 May to 20 June 2021, and such days afterwards as are required.