Posts

GOVERNANCE

Local municipalities in the spotlight

“The performance of local municipalities in South Africa is the indicator of the country’s heartbeat. Local municipalities are the closest institution to citizens; they reflect in great measure levels of citizen engagement – as recipients but also as contributors. In addition, local government shows, like no other indicator, the health of public institutions at the Read more >

PUBLICATIONS

CW’s 2018 Analysis of Corruption Trends report – now available

In 2017 we released our first Analysis of Corruption Trends (ACT) report, which identified five common areas where corruption frequently occurs – in schools, local municipalities, the South African Police Service (SAPS), licensing centres and traffic departments. This year’s ACT report, titled It’s Time to Act, shows more of the same. More abuse of power Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Lack of accountability shows in MFMA audit results

Released in Parliament last week by auditor-general (AG) Kimi Makwetu, the 2016-2017 local government audit results present a bleak picture. The AG attributes the overall deterioration in local municipality audit results and lack of compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) to advice and warnings that were largely not heeded. Part one of our Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Latest CW report shows more resistance to corruption

The 2017 Analysis of Corruption Trends (ACT) Report, released today by Corruption Watch, points to a positive trend of whistleblowing around the country and a greater willingness by the public to join the fight against corruption. The number of corruption complaints received in the first six months of 2017, at 2 744, represents a significant Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

The importance of voting in municipal elections

Local government elections will take place on 3 August this year. This is the chance for citizens to vote for the people who they believe will best look after their service delivery interests such as water and electricity; the maintenance of parks, roads and other public spaces; and the implementation of housing projects drawn up Read more >

NEWS

Community stands up for its rights

Until fairly recently, the small town of Barberton in Mpumalanga was not a regular feature in the news. It is home to a population of just under 70 000, with an estimated unemployment rate of about 26%, mostly affecting young people. The community was thrust into the spotlight last month when they challenged the planned merger Read more >

HEROES & ZEROES

Businessman blows the whistle on corrupt officials

These days it’s almost standard practice among those seeking to do business with state departments to pay bribes in order to win lucrative contracts. But there are those who stand up against this unwanted activity – such as businessman Fikile Bili from North West’s Ditsobotla local municipality. He blew the whistle on corrupt government employees Read more >

OUTREACH AND EVENTS

Activators lead in issues of national interest

By Lwazi Nongauza Gauteng Activators joined dozens of young people from Gauteng in robust dialogue about youth participation in elections, at Corruption Watch’s third Integrity Lecture last week. The event took place in Braamfontein at Constitution Hill on 23 October. The Corruption Watch youth campaign event Youth To The Polls was hosted by human rights Read more >