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CORRUPTION NEWS

Proposed new Saps anti-corruption unit could work

It is possible to combat police corruption, write Johan Burger and Stefan Grobler of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). But it depends on having the right leaders and staff, and sufficient capacity in place. The South African Police Service (Saps) is developing a draft anti-corruption strategy – its finalisation was planned for the beginning of 2016/2017, but to date, Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Sassa turnabout on CW’s legal challenge

The decision by the South African Social Services Agency (Sassa) to oppose legal action by Corruption Watch over irregular expenditure incurred in 2015 for the re-registration of beneficiaries by Cash Paymaster Service (CPS) was deemed irrational by the agency, leading to its recent withdrawal from the case. CEO Thokozani Magwaza conceded as much to the Read more >

OPINIONS

The descent of Jacob Zuma in 31 steps and counting

By Kavisha Pillay and Mark Hayward First published on Daily Maverick Last week, the Constitutional Court heard arguments that Parliament should either allow for, or be ordered to conduct, a secret ballot when MPs are voting in a motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma. The hearing came after a weekend of storms covered Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

State employees benefit from irregular business with govt

The Office of the Auditor-General (AGSA) recently expressed concern to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) that there have been no consequence for public officials doing business with the state, despite recommendations made years ago on how best to address the issue. Government has paid out millions over the past decade or so to Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

NACS discussion document: what’s it about?

The South African government planned to release its draft national anti-corruption strategy (NACS) on International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 December, last year. The document was delayed until 14 May, when it was launched to a lukewarm response from the nation. Last year Corruption Watch was engaged in the process that prepared the draft, along with other Read more >

OPINIONS

Secret ballot refusal would be obstruction in Parly

By David Lewis First published in Daily Maverick Whistle-blowing is a critical ingredient in tackling corruption. Corrupt conduct is, in most cases, the outcome of covert collusion between a public authority or individual, on the one hand, and a private institution or individual, on the other. Unlike house robbery or assault, there is no victim Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

How corruption affects climate change

First published on Transparency International Climate change, like corruption, is a matter of life or death. The evidence is hard and clear. 2016 was the hottest year ever on record, extreme “once in a generation” weather events are becoming more regular, and fragile ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef are dying. Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is here. Read more >

PRESS RELEASES

CW expresses outrage at Molefe reinstatement

Corruption Watch, in response to the news today that Brian Molefe will be reinstated as CEO of Eskom from Monday 15 May, has expressed outrage at his return to his former position from which he resigned in November 2016. In spite of attempts to now position his departure as early retirement, at no point at Read more >

OPINIONS

The economics of corruption

By Zola Valashiya Remember that high school mantra “Crime doesn’t pay” that was constantly drummed into us growing up? Well, here’s the thing – crime is paying, and it is paying big. So much has happened in South Africa lately I cannot emotionally keep up. From grand airport heists to dubious cabinet reshuffles, and a Read more >