Dear Corruption Watch: It seems the ace in every politician’s hand is the sub judice rule, which somehow makes difficult questions go away. What does sub judice mean, and why are these words so powerful? Yours sincerely, Latin illiterate Dear Latin illiterate “Sub judice” is a Latin expression meaning “under judgment”. The power in these Read more >
OPINIONS
By Kavisha Pillay Growing up in a new South Africa, I was enlightened by the many courageous men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that I can enjoy freedom. Some of these leaders have been exalted to positions of influence while many others live as unsung heroes in our communities. These leaders who Read more >
DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH
Dear Corruption Watch: It has been suggested the South African government might not have known that, in funding the “Diaspora Legacy Fund”, it was paying a bribe. Is this likely? And does it make a difference from a legal perspective? And is the minister of sport correct when he says it is none of the Read more >
DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH
Dear Corruption Watch: I understand that corruption usually involves someone paying money to a government official to get something to which they are not otherwise entitled (such as bribing an official to issue a licence), or to avoid punishment (such as paying a traffic officer not to give you a speeding ticket). But is it Read more >
DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH
Dear Corruption Watch: Coverage of the showdown between the former head of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission and the minister of trade and industry glossed over the “grease payments” she was trying to stamp out. People are often required, when registering their businesses, to pay an extra “fee” to a “runner” who takes the Read more >
DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH
Dear Corruption Watch: New day, new allegations of corruption levelled against the top brass of our parastatals. Invariably, the defamed chairperson or CEO vociferously denies the allegations and threatens to sue for defamation. If he or she does decide to sue, can the state-owned company foot the legal bill? T (for tired-of-paying-legal-bills) Taxpayer. Dear T Read more >
DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH
Dear Corruption Watch, a legal professional body has gone to court to have two senior National Prosecuting Authority officials Lawrence Mrwebi and Nomgcobo Jiba, struck off the roll of advocates. How does this work? Surely the professional body can regulate itself? Why does it have to go to court? Curious Dear Curious Your questions are Read more >
DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH
Dear Corruption Watch, South African businesses seem very concerned with understanding and adhering to the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. And yet they’re not so worried about our own legislation? Lekker Local Dear Lekker Local Your perception is not wrong. Here at CW we have certainly experienced, in our interaction Read more >
DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH
Dear Corruption Watch, in his budget speech, Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene announced that the Treasury is launching a central supplier database and e-tender portal in a bid to fight corruption and make government procurement more efficient and cost-effective. I am a supplier to the state, and I’m confused about how such a move could benefit Read more >