Entries by Corruption Watch

Tax havens continue to facilitate theft out of developing countries

The UK and its overseas territories and dependencies continue to be the world’s greatest facilitators of cross-border tax abuse, comprising six of the top 15 countries on the latest edition of the Corporate Tax Haven Index. Says the Tax Justice Network, which publishes the index: “Countries are estimated to lose $84-billion in corporate tax a year due to multinational corporations using the UK and its British tax havens to underpay tax.”

Addressing judicial corruption in South Africa

The judiciary, like other arms of government, is susceptible to corruption – but it must not be, if justice is to be administered fairly and democracy and human rights are to be protected. The highest level of vigilance, therefore, is required from members of the judiciary and all stakeholders to maintain its independence and ensure that its members do not engage in corrupt activities. 

Best practice guide facilitates meaningful consultations in extractives industry

Corruption Watch’s newly launched Best Practice Guideline on Community Consultation in the South African Extractives Industry 2024 seeks to give guidance on community consultation requirements which must and should apply to mining projects, with reference to laws, policies, and international best practice. The guide was developed in partnership with Webber Wentzel.

WC High Court judgment interdicting Hlophe a win for the rule of law 

Corruption Watch welcomes the judgment handed down on 27 September 2024 by the full bench of the Western Cape High Court in the matter of Corruption Watch v Speaker of the National Assembly and others. The High Court granted the relief sought by the organisation by interdicting Dr John Hlophe from participating in the parliamentary Judicial Services Commission, concluding that a strong prima facie case had been made warranting this relief.

Hlophe not allowed in judges’ interviews, says WC High Court

Corruption Watch, Freedom Under Law, and the DA have won a Western Cape High Court ruling interdicting Dr John Hlophe from serving on the upcoming round of the parliamentary Judicial Service Commission’s interviews for magistrates and judges. The applicants argued that the inclusion of Hlophe in the commission was irrational, following his impeachment by the very same Parliament earlier this year.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Launch of best practice guide on community consultation in mining

Corruption Watch and Webber Wentzel will launch their jointly developed Best Practice Guide on Community Consultation in the South African Extractives Industry at an in-person event and virtually on Thursday, 3 October 2024. The guide is part of Corruption Watch’s activities in the Rallying Efforts to Accelerate Progress in Africa Project.

CW urges AU WGEI to step up action against corruption in mineral extraction

Corruption Watch has written an open letter to the AU’s Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations, urging it to step up action against corruption in the extractives industry. The organisation has made several recommendations which, it says, will help the working group to more efficiently fulfil its mandate.