CORRUPTION NEWS

Arms deal commission, phase one – a summary

By Lee-Ann Alfreds Almost one year after the start of proceedings, the first phase of public hearings of the Arms Procurement Commission has drawn to a close. But little – if anything – new has been learnt of South Africa’s controversial 1999 arms deal which the commission has been tasked with investigating. “Nothing came to Read more >

HEROES & ZEROES

Public paying for vacant buildings

Taxpayers in South Africa have been paying for buildings leased to government but not being used for public office functions. The Department of Public Works (DPW) has been forking out rent to the tune of R5-million a month for over 100 buildings that are not occupied by public officials, and for the lack of oversight Read more >

OUTREACH AND EVENTS

Corruption challenges are different for small companies

By Janine Erasmus Big corporates have systems in place, personnel and financial resources to deal with legal and ethical challenges. They can absorb both planned and unexpected costs, including those related to corruption, with relative ease. But what if you are running a small business – how easy is it to stick to your standards, Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

National Lotteries Board taking no chances

By Valencia Talane It was established in 1997 and claims a budget of R2-billion per annum for community development initiatives across the country in areas like arts and sports, while also funding charities. But how does the National Lotteries Board ensure that every appeal for funding is legitimate and that the money will be used Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Good business ethics should be second nature

By Janine Erasmus Part two of our private sector anti-corruption series profiles a one-woman company that works in the private and public spheres to strengthen ethical cultures in the workplace. Cynthia Schoeman believes that in South Africa there is a growing sense of the importance of a strong ethical culture. Compliance with anti-corruption regulations is Read more >

HEROES & ZEROES

No faith in Faith

In February 2014 public protector Thuli Madonsela published a report on maladministration and abuse of power at the SABC. Titled When Governance and Ethics Fail, it highlighted, among other things, the irregular appointment of the state broadcaster’s acting COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng, and pointed out that he lacked the required qualifications for the job. The report Read more >

INVESTIGATION

Some relief for Eastern Cape schools

By Valencia Talane In November 2013 Corruption Watch reported on a case of bad service delivery at an Eastern Cape school that had no chairs or desks for its learners. In fact, according to the principal, the school had received no new furniture in the 23 years that she had been there. For many years, Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Private sector action against corruption – part one

By Janine Erasmus Corruption in the public sector is under constant scrutiny, but there’s no doubt that the private sector is affected too. Where corruption in public procurement takes place for example, it’s likely that a private company will be involved, either as a victim or a perpetrator. In the latest Global Economic Crime Survey, Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Attacks on public protector are unacceptable

Corruption Watch notes with great concern the repeated attacks on the Office of the Public Protector, the latest incident involving comments made by the Justice Portfolio Committee in Parliament last week. The attacks reflect a pattern of disrespect and contempt for a vital institution in South Africa’s constitutional democracy.   Under the leadership of Advocate Read more >