South African taxpayers have forked out an estimated R521-billion over the last 15 years to keep state owned enterprises (SOEs) alive, and have received nothing in return. Despite the bailouts, many companies continue to fail due to financial mismanagement and corruption, and the bailouts may be much higher than the National Treasury estimates. During a Read more >
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The Constitutional Court held a special sitting on Wednesday 21 August in honour of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who retires at the end of August after serving 27 years on the bench. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane, and National Read more >
With South Africa’s history of dependence and insistence on use of coal-fired power – despite overwhelming evidence of the harmful impact to the environment – and the problems its main energy supplier and chief environmental culprit Eskom has struggled with in the last decade, it would seem logical that the country makes a determined effort Read more >
Image: EFE-EPA/Nic Bothma By Marcel NagarFirst published on The Conversation: Africa A public policy works well if it’s a good policy and if it’s carried out well. Politicians make policy and specialist bureaucrats in the public service carry it out. These appointed officials are supposed to follow a strict professional and ethical code of conduct. Read more >
In our new two-part mini series, we consider the devastating effect of the relentless theft of copper on South Africa’s infrastructure, and the consequent burden such theft places on the country’s economy and society – important topics to consider in this election year. Part one sets the scene as it stands currently, and part two Read more >
In our new two-part mini series, we consider the devastating effect of the relentless theft of copper on South Africa’s infrastructure, and the consequent burden such theft places on the country’s economy and society – important topics to consider in this election year. Part one sets the scene as it stands currently, and part two Read more >
Image: SIU On 22 November prominent law enforcement agencies met with Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa). The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI or Hawks), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) briefed the committee on the ongoing collaboration on cases involving state-owned enterprises (SOEs) referred to them by Read more >
The Eskom saga in its many forms has dominated much of the 2023 news cycle, as it has in years before. From Andre de Ruyter to organised crime, from the minister for electricity to load shedding, the lives of South Africans arguably revolve more around this one issue than any other – even corruption. In Read more >
The Auditor-General of South Africa (Agsa) is not impressed with the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). Presenting the department’s audit outcomes for 2021/2022 to the parliamentary portfolio committee on public enterprises on 11 October, the Agsa delegation pointed out several shortcomings and weaknesses, including stagnation in terms of audit outcomes in general, and non-compliance with Read more >