Posts

State capture boosted violence and organised crime

Organised crime flourished under Jacob Zuma’s presidency as South Africa’s criminal justice agencies were manipulated for political and personal gain. This is one of many findings in a joint submission by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Corruption Watch to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture (Zondo Commission). Interference in Read more >

Guns, politics, lies: the arms deal’s whitewash commission

By Tara Davis and Deborah Mutemwa-TumboFirst published in the Sunday Times What is the point of commissions of inquiry? Are they powerful tools for investigating issues of public concern that can ultimately bring about justice, or are they expensive political options used by those in power to pacify the public and justify impunity? Corruption Watch Read more >

Arms deal commission FAQ, and CW and R2K’s challenge

What is a commission of inquiry? A commission of inquiry is one of many bodies available to the government to inquire into various issues. Commissions report findings, give advice and make recommendations. While their findings are not legally binding, they can be highly influential. Commissions must act strictly within their terms of reference and ensure Read more >

Arms deal and Seriti Commission FAQ

What was the arms deal? In December 1999, the South African government signed contracts with a number of European defence companies to buy a range of sophisticated military equipment. South Africa purchased: Gripen jet fighters and Hawk jet fighter trainers from the UK/Swedish partnership, British Aerospace (now BAE Systems) and Saab. corvette warships from the Read more >

Will Zuma’s fate on corruption charges finally be decided?

The man who took the meaning of ‘teflon’ to a new level is in court this week in what some are calling his last chance to avoid prosecution. Former president Jacob Zuma has been evading corruption and racketeering charges for 10 years, and so far all attempts to make the charges stick have been unsuccessful. Read more >

Agrizzi’s little black book of bribes

By Kyle CowanFirst published on News24 Krugersdorp based facilities management company Bosasa allegedly paid bribes to a host of government officials, prosecutors and politicians for years. Cash in little grey security bags was dropped off at homes, handed under restaurant tables, and concealed in newspapers. It was an open secret at Bosasa – almost every Read more >

Zondo Commission – week 20 overview

The return of Vytjie Mentor to the stand and a glimpse into what is coming from Ipid boss Robert McBride – the week that was at the commission of inquiry into state capture. Former ANC MP Mentor was the first witness to undergo cross-examination this week, and it did not look good for her, for Read more >

Zondo Commission – week 17 overview

From designing the president’s birthday cake to building million-rand property for a senior public official, to buying the souls of judicial officials and members of Parliament, Angelo Agrizzi did it all, and is glad he has lived to tell it all, too. The former COO for Bosasa made plenty of allegations against very senior politicians Read more >