DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH

Independence key to vigilance, action

​Dear Corruption Watch, South Africa has three institutions with powers to investigate corruption in government: the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the public protector. Who does what, and from where do they derive their powers? What does it mean that they are independent? Curious Dear Curious The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), its asset forfeiture Read more >

HEROES & ZEROES

Shady past, good job

​Our zero this week is the government, for not living up to claims of fighting corruption. This week it appointed a new mayoral committee member in Madibeng municipality – and he was previously one of the guilty parties in the Travelgate scandal of 2006/2006. The thieves – MPs and travel agents – ran a scam involving fraudulent travel arrangements Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

The arms deal – new mini-site

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 of large-scale bribery and corruption currently under investigation by a top-level commission are proven true, it will be the biggest corruption scandal in the Read more >

HEROES & ZEROES

Corruption hinders SA’s economic freedom

The 2014 Index of Economic Freedom, published recently by Washington’s Heritage Foundation in partnership with the Wall Street Journal, shows that corruption in South Africa is having an impact on economic freedom in the country. The index probes 10 freedoms in 186 countries and for the 2014 survey, most data covers the second half of 2012 Read more >

RAISING AWARENESS

The arms deal: what you need to know

Browse the mini-site: What is the arms deal? What equipment was bought? When did it all go down? Who were the people involved? Allegations of corruption What is the Seriti Commission? Useful resources Updates and analysis Formally known as the Strategic Defence Package, the arms deal, to use its notorious nickname, was a multi-billion-rand military Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

A list of useful resources

A list of some useful resources relating to the arms deal: Websites: The Arms Deal Virtual Press Office – Richard Young The Parliamentary Monitoring Group Government Communication and Information System The Shadow World, an exposé of the global arms trade Arms deal coverage on eNCA Arms deal coverage on Mail & Guardian Amabhungane’s arms deal cache The Arms Procurement Commission Read more >

DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH

School fee or foul a matter of funding

Dear Corruption Watch, The principal at a no-fee school is charging us R1 000 a year. I refused to pay and I’ve been victimised – even called a prostitute! What are my rights if I blow the whistle on him? Someone told me most of the whistleblower protection has to do with the workplace and is Read more >

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 >