HEROES & ZEROES

Off the hook – for now

Our zeroes this week are the state investigators who, by failing to meet a deadline to submit results of a forensic investigation to the Durban Commercial Crimes Court, forfeited their fraud and corruption case, and probably the taxpayer's money, against Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mpisane. It remains to be seen whether or not the National Prosecuting Authority Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Why is corruption getting worse in South Africa?

Gareth Newham As the world remembers the passing of global icon Nelson Mandela, the fact that he was a man of principle is a clear element of his success as a leader and overall greatness. He understood the vital importance of the constitutional principles of accountability and the rule of law. He not only said Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Reinstating Mpisane charges is Nxasana’s call

Corruption Watch reporter The decision on whether or not fraud and corruption charges against Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mpisane will be reinstated lies with the national director of public prosecutions Mxolisi Nxasana, who is yet to examine a report from the prosecution team on reasons for withdrawing the case. The Durban Commercial Crime Court on Wednesday Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Timeline of the arms deal

This is not an exhaustive list of every event connected to the arms deal, but it encompasses the main events. Source: Paul Holden’s The Arms Deal in Your Pocket, with additions from newspaper reports. October 1995: The South African Air Force (SAAF) reviews what it needs, and decides that it only needs to replace one tier of jets: the Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Allegations of corruption

It wasn’t long before allegations of corruption began to surface. In a report dated 18 January 2001, the Western Cape’s director of public prosecutions, Advocate Frank Kahn, and Advocate Jan Lubbe, working for the Heath special investigating unit, recommended further investigation into the deal. The Heath unit, the forerunner to today’s Special Investigating Unit, had Read more >

LEGISLATION AND SUBMISSIONS

More construction civil claims on the cards

The Competition Tribunal has received new applications for certificates against unscrupulous construction companies, which means that more civil claims could be coming up. In November 2013 we reported that the door had been opened for civil claims against companies found guilty in the bid-rigging and collusion construction scandal, with the issuing of the first four Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

What’s the arms deal all about?

Formally known as the Strategic Defence Package, the arms deal, to use its notorious nickname, was a multi-billion-rand military acquisition project finalised in 1999 by the South African government. If allegations currently under investigation by a top-level commission are proven true, it will be the biggest corruption scandal in the country’s history. The acquisition was Read more >

RAISING AWARENESS

Help make our voice count!

A Corruption Watch idea, involving online citizen activism against corruption, is one of 196 that have made it through to the public voting round in the annual Making All Voices Count global innovation competition. Check it out here and vote for our idea – there are two weeks left! South Africa is one of 12 countries Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Arms deal commission to resume

The two-man Arms Procurement Commission, or the Seriti Commission, resumes on 20 January and will continue until 16 May. The commission is investigating “allegations of fraud, corruption, impropriety or irregularity in the strategic defence procurement package” and will question the rationale for the arms deal, whether the equipment purchased is adequately used or not, and Read more >