Corruption in South Africa: a view from the front line

First published on Transparency International UK David Lewis, executive director of TI’s chapter in South Africa, Corruption Watch, reflects on the country’s current situation and the tools available to civil society to fight back against corruption. When, in the period leading to the formation of Corruption Watch, I traipsed around South Africa and the world Read more >

How ordinary citizens can punish unethical conduct

By David Lewis First published on Business Day The survey on ethical practices in the auditing and related professions conducted by the Anti-Intimidation and Ethical Practices Forum (of which Corruption Watch is a founding member) is important precisely because of its focus on ethics. The one principle of the rule of law that has been Read more >

Civil society freedoms and rights under threat

South Africa is one of a number of countries where civil society is not fully able to enjoy its freedoms and rights. The 2017 CIVICUS State of Civil Society report shows that across the globe, civil society space is under unprecedented levels of threat. “Around the world, it is becoming increasingly dangerous to challenge power, Read more >

Full FIC amendment act needed to catch the corrupt

By Leanne Govindsamy First published in Business Day State capture does not happen because of the dodgy dealings of one person or even a handful of people. It happens because hundreds of people along the line — in the public and private sectors — have enabled it. They may have failed to conduct requisite due Read more >

I am not the only one: CW awareness and fundraising

Today Corruption Watch launched its new campaign titled I am not the only one, with the aim of raising awareness about corruption in South Africa and motivating supporters to help fund our anti-corruption activities. Corruption is not just the government official and the businessman fixing a tender, or the licensing official who allows an unqualified Read more >

SA’s youth can shape a corruption-free future

by Sabeehah Motala Corruption has no age. As the voices speaking out against corruption grow, more and more young people are getting in touch with Corruption Watch to report on their experiences. What the data has shown is striking – evidence of corruption affecting young people in their most earnest endeavours. Young people are fighting Read more >

A tale of moral shakedowns: #1 – Trouble with traffic

By Zola Valashiya Our socialisation conditions us to be law-abiding citizens. Generally, the majority of South Africans are. Despite the crime rate, despite reports of the blatant looting of public resources by politicians, many of us still remain and aspire to be the model citizen. In a country like ours, where corruption is rife, I Read more >

The arms deal: so many questions

• First published in the Sunday Times Civil society groups have gone to court to have the findings of the Seriti commission of inquiry into the arms deal set aside. Chris Barron asked David Lewis, chairman [Note: David Lewis is the executive director of Corruption Watch; Mavuso Msimang is the chairman] of Corruption Watch … Read more >

Arms deal report fails to settle corruption issue

In response to President Zuma’s release yesterday of the Seriti Commission’s report, Corruption Watch notes that, given the thoroughly flawed and irregular proceedings of the commission over the last four years, this outcome is hardly surprising. The report’s eventual failure to address long-standing allegations of corruption in the arms deal prevents closure of this sordid Read more >