Entries by Corruption Watch

CW report probes solutions for benefits to mining-affected communities

12 August 2021 in , , , /by

Today Corruption Watch released a new research report, Improving Transparency and Accountability in the Flow of Benefits to Mining Communities, and an accompanying overview of the related legislation. The report explores the best interventions to shape mechanisms designed to channel benefits to communities, while improving transparency and accountability, and rooting out the corruption and fraud that has dogged the mining industry for so long.

AGSA one of only two audit institutions worldwide ranked fully independent

11 August 2021 in , , /by

South Africa’s Auditor-General, with the corresponding office in the Seychelles, are the only two supreme audit institutions (SAIs) ranked by the World Bank as having the full independence to do their work. This was revealed in an assessment of 118 SAIs, the Supreme Audit Institutions Independence Index: 2021 Global Synthesis Report, released by the World Bank on 4 August 2021.

Accelerating beneficial ownership transparency in Africa

10 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

6 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

4 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

3 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.