Our process

Once on our database, reports can then be selected for a number of different functions within the organisation. These include:

• Adding the report to a number of similar ones relating to a topic we are campaigning on. For example, we group reports of housing irregularities under our housing campaign. It is these statistics that we use to lobby for action from the relevant authorities.
• Publishing a report on our website – while withholding details of the reporter where necessary – so that other people who have knowledge of similar incidents can read it and report further.
• Using the incident as the basis for a news story or research report, which is published on our website and/or other media.
• Referring the incident to a journalist to expose the incident on our website or in the media. This is done with the permission of the individual who reported.
• Starting an investigation.
• Referring the incident to a government authority for investigation (such as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate or the Public Protector).
• Taking some kind of legal or political action in respect of the incident reported – for example, writing letters to the relevant authority, making a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application.

Corruption Watch takes the utmost care to keep reporters’ details secure. All our reporting channels support the functioning of our database to ensure that we keep a record of every single report received.