RAISING AWARENESS

SA mining at high risk for corruption

The spotlight is again on South Africa’s mining sector, this time with corruption in the sector under discussion, in the context of the country’s tardiness in prosecuting foreign corruption cases. This lack of action was pointed out in a March 2014 report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The document, Phase Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Original arms deal whistleblower testifies

By Lee-Ann Alfreds Almost 15 years after she stood up in Parliament and alleged – to vilification, boos and insults from ANC MPs – large-scale corruption in the arms deal, Patricia de Lille is about to repeat her claims. This time, though, she hopes the outcome will be different. For starters, she will be testifying Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Mbeki: arms deal was above board

By Lee-Ann Alfreds Former president Thabo Mbeki returned to the limelight after almost six years in virtual seclusion to deny there had been anything untoward in the 1999 arms deal. Testifying before the Arms Procurement Commission – which is probing allegations of fraud and corruption in the controversial deal – Mbeki insisted there was no Read more >

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 >

DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH

What happens when Thuli leaves in 2016?

​Dear Corruption Watch, I am a great supporter of our current public protector, who seems to have done her best to investigate and report on corruption in the government. What happens when her term of office comes to an end? How can we ensure that an impartial person is appointed to this important position? Non-biased 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 >