Entries by Corruption Watch

SA achieves respectable score on Freedom in the World index for 2024

South Africa has scored 33 out of 40 in terms of political rights, and 46 out of 60 for civil liberties, on the Freedom in the World 2024 index, published annually by Freedom House. However, the country, which successfully navigated a free and fair general election in recent weeks, fared less impressively in sub-categories concerning governance and corruption, rule of law, and personal autonomy and individual rights.

Parliament ready for first sittings of NA and NCOP

Tomorrow and Saturday, 14 and 15 June, are the first sittings of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces, respectively. Parly secretary Xolile George, briefing the media and the nation on the preparations for this important event, said the parliamentary teams have been hard at work to ensure a seamless transition from the sixth to the seventh term of the national legislature.

Spotlight on human rights defenders at 2nd Thulani Maseko memorial lecture

Deputy minister of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, John Jeffery, has confirmed that government is currently developing a draft bill in response to recommendations made by the public to the department’s discussion paper on improving whistle-blower protection, which was released in June last year. Jeffery was speaking at the second Thulani Maseko memorial lecture, held on 12 June in Pretoria.

Protesting farm women dodge stun grenades outside Parliament

GroundUp reports on a march to Parliament on 4 June by farm women, in response to government’s decision not to phase out pesticides, though it had promised two years ago to do so. Instead the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has gazetted guidelines for exemptions on pesticide use. Stun grenades were thrown at the women outside Parliament when they breached the police line.

Editorial: Corruption starts from within – crooked officials, criminals collude

African governments are not doing nearly enough to act against the criminals within their own ranks, writes Susan Russell for Africa In Fact. A genuine commitment from African leaders is needed, to uphold the rule of law, promote transparency, and strengthen democratic institutions. “This means enacting and enforcing anti-corruption laws, ensuring judicial independence, and fostering accountability among public officials.”