With elections around the corner, it is time for citizens to stop enabling government corruption and realise that as voters in a democratic society, they hold the power, writes CW chairperson Themba Maseko. By demanding accountability and condemning mediocrity, citizens will put pressure on elected leaders and public servants to institute lasting changes.
As South Africa prepares for the elections on 29 May and political parties rally behind their manifestos full of promises of change, writes Siphokuhle Mkancu for CW Voices, it is important for the citizenry to reflect on gender-based violence (GBV). We must ask ourselves where is the will of South Africa’s political leadership to address not only the high levels of GBV, but also the extent to which they are affected by power dynamics and vulnerabilities brought about by corruption in the law enforcement sector.
With ethical leadership, robust and inclusive systems, and new, progressive ideas, writes Kavisha Pillay, we can transform from a land of stolen dreams to one of realised potential. These are good places to start – but there are no quick fixes and we must all chip in, realising this is a long-term effort.
It is unnecessary to turn to Hollywood movies on transnational organised crime – it no longer lives on the screen and in our imaginations but is a living threat to global economies, national and public safety and security, democracy, and human rights. Recognising this, the UN General Assembly recently established 15 November as a new commemorative day, the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime.
Even before we vote in what is arguably the most anticipated and contentious general election since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy, writes Moepeng Talane for CW Voices, we’ve already witnessed two significant, never-before-experienced events that speak to the sanctity of our Constitution and the governance principles contained therein.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa believes state capture is being adequately addressed by government, despite no action to date against implicated cabinet members, while Prasa whistle-blowers’ labour woes worsen amid the passenger rail agency’s successful appeal against a previous ruling to reinstate them.
More than 12 years since its inception, Corruption Watch (CW) has received over 46 900 complaints of alleged corruption, which have provided valuable insight and have helped to shape many of the organisation’s interventions and activities. CW’s 12th annual report, released today, highlights those interventions and activities which took place in 2023.
South Africa is a country that struggles with sanctioning large-scale financial crime. A Magnitsky Act would help significantly in this regard, as it would allow the government to more effectively pursue and sanction those who abuse financial systems and human rights for their own illegal purposes – so why don’t we have one?
Visit our GivenGain R20 for Change page and help us demand transparency in our systems, accountability in our leaders, and better empowerment and protection of whistle-blowers. By donating R20 a month, you’ll be supporting our work with communities across the country, helping them to know and access their rights and reduce the corruption that robs people of resources intended for their benefit.