CORRUPTION NEWS

Learning from the example of past presidents

By Judith February One of the defining moments of Nelson Mandela’s presidency was when he took the stand in the case of the President of the RSA and Others versus South African Rugby Football Union (Sarfu) and Others in 1999. The year before, Mandela appointed a commission to investigate allegations of racism, nepotism and corruption against Sarfu, Read more >

DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH

Act lost in bureaucracy it should be policing

Dear Corruption Watch: You’ve reported before on the new Public Administration Management Act. You’ve told us that the act is really important since it prevents state officials from doing business with the state and requires them to declare all financial interests. I’ve heard that the president still hasn’t brought the act into operation. When is Read more >

CORRUPTION SNAPSHOTS

Global corruption snapshots: 16 July 2015

Greece is a victim of its own cronyism and corruption Why is Greece so different and why does the government of Alexis Tsipras send such mixed messages towards Europe? Many people believe that the origins of Greece’s problems lie in its four-century domination by the Ottomans, which meant that it missed defining moments in European Read more >

PRESS RELEASES

Nkandla report crafted to exonerate President Zuma

The release of Police Minister Nathi Nhleko’s Nkandla report yesterday, and its conclusion that President Zuma is cleared of all obligation to pay back any of the costs associated with the upgrade of his personal home, was met with dismay by Corruption Watch. It highlights the current trend that allows, if not encourages, our leaders Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Immigrants’ rights are not negotiable

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba being sworn into office in May 2014. His department is responsible for the administration of immigrants in the country as well as the protection of their rights. Image source: GCIS   Immigrants in South Africa could be forgiven for thinking that the country might not, after all, be the right Read more >

DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH

‘Presumed innocent’ not an invisibility cloak

Dear Corruption Watch: My local councillor is being investigated for his role in corrupt tender processes in our municipality. A senior branch member of our political party told me that I should not discuss the allegations or charges because the councillor is “innocent until proven guilty”. I understand that this is an important part of Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Global corruption snapshots: 9 July 2015

Image source: Transparency International Thursday, 09/07/2015 – 12:30 Ex-state senator pleads guilty to racketeering in California An ex-California state senator pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a racketeering charge in an organised crime and public corruption case centred in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Leland Yee could face a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

How corruption drives illicit financial flows

By Khalil Goga At the recent Pan-African Parliament session in South Africa, former South African president Thabo Mbeki presented the African Union high-level report on illicit financial flows (IFFs). The parliament accepted the report and its recommendations, showing an increased urgency in limiting IFFs on the continent. The Mbeki report refers to IFFs as funds Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Chief justice hits back

STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE HEADS OF COURT AND SENIOR JUDGES OF ALL DIVISIONS ON 8 JULY 2015 The judiciary’s commitment to the rule of law A Judge’s principal article of faith is to adjudicate without fear favour or prejudice. When each Judge assumes office she or he takes an oath or affirmation Read more >