A black and white photo of a magnifying glass lying on a newspaper page.
Whistle-blowers are the lifeblood of democracy, writes NWU's Angeline Marokoane, yet South Africa’s system is designed to abandon them. This poignant statement emerged at a recent dialogue, held at the North-West University on the use - and perils - of investigative journalism in holding the powerful to account. The panel, comprising Khaya Sithole, Pauli van Wyk, Kyle Cowan, and Sikonathi Mantshantsha, made recommendations as to how investigative journalism in the country can be strengthened.
Whistle-blowers are the lifeblood of democracy, writes NWU's Angeline Marokoane, yet South Africa’s system is designed to abandon them. This poignant statement emerged at a recent dialogue, held at the North-West University on the use - and perils - of investigative journalism in holding the powerful to account. The panel, comprising Khaya Sithole, Pauli van Wyk, Kyle Cowan, and Sikonathi Mantshantsha, made recommendations as to how investigative journalism in the country can be strengthened.
Defending truth in an era of corruption and eroding trust
Corruption news
Microphones at a press conference
Corruption Watch (CW) will release its annual corruption report, Ke Nako: Mobilising for justice, on Monday, 25 May 2026. The report comes as the organisation sets out on its new development path of Vision 2030 that will define its strategic direction for the next four years.
Corruption Watch (CW) will release its annual corruption report, Ke Nako: Mobilising for justice, on Monday, 25 May 2026. The report comes as the organisation sets out on its new development path of Vision 2030 that will define its strategic direction for the next four years.
CW to release its 2025 annual corruption report
Media advisory
Anti-corruption poster in Zambia
Anti-corruption a national priority, says SA, but govt worst in Africa for tackling it

Corruption news

South Africans are largely unhappy with democracy in the country, according to new survey results released recently by Afrobarometer. Furthermore, in terms of tackling corruption they rate their government the worst out of all African countries surveyed, while over three-quarters of survey respondents now suspect the Presidency of being the most corrupt institution in the country, even more so than members of the police or Parliament.
South Africans are largely unhappy with democracy in the country, according to new survey results released recently by Afrobarometer. Furthermore, in terms of tackling corruption they rate their government the worst out of all African countries surveyed, while over three-quarters of survey respondents now suspect the Presidency of being the most corrupt institution in the country, even more so than members of the police or Parliament.
The fifth and final episode of Corruption Watch’s new five-part podcast series on climate governance is now available. In this episode, we discuss what needs to happen for climate change management to benefit those who feel the devastating effects most keenly - the communities on the ground - and for the just transition to be truly just. Experts and community representatives from previous episodes share their thoughts.
The fifth and final episode of Corruption Watch’s new five-part podcast series on climate governance is now available. In this episode, we discuss what needs to happen for climate change management to benefit those who feel the devastating effects most keenly - the communities on the ground - and for the just transition to be truly just. Experts and community representatives from previous episodes share their thoughts.
In the Still of Night – a climate governance podcast, episode 5

Corruption news

Slide background
Corruption Watch, in collaboration with Social Change Assistance Trust or SCAT, and Transparency International, and co-funded by the European Union, has embarked on the Strengthening Action Against Corruption (SAAC) project which focuses specifically on empowering and educating community advice offices/civil society organisations in the Eastern Cape province. Follow our activities here.
Strengthening Action Against Corruption

The SAAC Project

Corruption Watch has been fighting corruption in South Africa since January 2012

We rely on the public to report corruption to us. We use the reports as an important source of information to fight corruption and hold leaders accountable for their actions.

Latest news:

Defending truth in an era of corruption and eroding trust

By Angeline MarokoaneFirst published on North-West University (NWU) In the shadow of state capture, pervasive corruption, and eroding public trust, a vital line of defence remains: investigative journalism. In a recent panel discussion titled Investigative Journalism in Defence of Democracy, facilitated by the NWU Business School, columnist and analyst Khaya Sithole moderated a conversation with Read more >

Latest views:

Human rights provision fails when corruption is present

By Janine Erasmus South Africa, as it does every year, observed Human Rights Day on 21 March under the month-long theme of A Legacy of Courage: Protecting Rights, Preserving Humanity. In his address on the day, President Cyril Ramaphosa surprised nobody when he said corruption was one of the biggest obstacles and challenges to improving Read more >

More stories: