South Africa does not have a corruption problem alone, writes Corruption Watch's Melusi Ncala - it also has a selective outrage problem. The Constitutional Court’s Phala Phala ruling of 11 May may be the moment South Africa discovers whether our society is capable, finally, of applying the same standard to those it admires as to those it despises.
South Africa does not have a corruption problem alone, writes Corruption Watch's Melusi Ncala - it also has a selective outrage problem. The Constitutional Court’s Phala Phala ruling of 11 May may be the moment South Africa discovers whether our society is capable, finally, of applying the same standard to those it admires as to those it despises.
The Phala Phala test — is SA ready to end selective outrage against corruption?
Opinion
Corruption Watch today releases its 14th annual corruption report, titled Ke Nako: Mobilising for justice, with the aim of gathering all sectors into the fight against corruption, as this is not a goal that can be achieved by only one or two participants. The time has come for all of society to demand justice and accountability from those in power, says board chairperson Themba Maseko.
Corruption Watch today releases its 14th annual corruption report, titled Ke Nako: Mobilising for justice, with the aim of gathering all sectors into the fight against corruption, as this is not a goal that can be achieved by only one or two participants. The time has come for all of society to demand justice and accountability from those in power, says board chairperson Themba Maseko.
CW releases its 2025 annual corruption report
Annual report
Defending truth in an era of corruption and eroding trust
Corruption news
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.
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
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.
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 >
By Melusi NcalaFirst published on Daily Maverick If South Africa wants to meaningfully and effectively combat corruption, it must abandon its stance of selective condemnation. We see it every day, especially when a political opponent is accused: due process becomes an afterthought, and the allegation alone is treated as a conviction, without a single minute Read more >
