Entries by Corruption Watch

Where do illicit financial flows out of Africa go? TI follows the dirty money

8th January 2025 in , /by

A recent Transparency International investigation of 78 cases involving illicit financial flows from Africa, revealed over US$3.7-billion in corruption-linked African assets stashed in 74 separate jurisdictions, the top culprits of which are wealthy nations. TI used data available from court records, leaked information, investigative reports and other public sources. The organisation says its findings highlight the urgent need for action to close the loopholes that enable money to be moved and hidden around the world.

Tackling corruption a key priority for SA’s G20 presidency in 2025

6th January 2025 in , /by

South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency, the first country from the African continent to do so. Its theme for the year of office is Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, and it will also focus strongly on anti-corruption work, with the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Special Investigating Unit, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation driving the agenda in this regard.

Strengthening FPIC for inclusive mining decisions 

18th December 2024 in , , /by

A new policy brief, published by Corruption Watch under the auspices of the EU’s Rallying Efforts to Accelerate Progress in Africa project, focuses on exposing the gaps in South Africa’s IPILRA and MPRDA policies in terms of meaningful community consultation in the mining rights process. The brief further calls for the swift implementation of IPILRA regulations for obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from mining-affected communities. 

ED’s end-of-year 2024 message to all CW supporters

18th December 2024 in , , /by

“With our landmark elections and the possibility for driving even more effective anti-corruption reforms, our advocacy going forward is more critical and urgent to make the most of the new opportunities post-elections.” Corruption Watch’s executive director Karam Singh touches briefly on the task that lies ahead of the organisation in 2025, in this letter to supporters.

Inside Gauteng’s R500-million corruption scheme (part two)

13th December 2024 in , , /by

In the second part of an extensive GroundUp investigation into the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the organisation reveals how a network of non-profit organisations, co-operatives, and companies captured the department’s “sustainable livelihoods” budget. They worked with officials on the inside, who also benefited from the crooked scheme – and who have not been asked to account for their actions.

Gauteng government’s buried corruption investigation (part one)

13th December 2024 in , , /by

Following an extensive investigation, activist organisation GroundUp reveals how the findings of a forensic audit into R500-million corruption in the provincial Department of Social Development was suppressed. Tender processes were bypassed, officials and suppliers benefited personally, and there have been few consequences – except for many of the province’s non-profit organisations, who have struggled to stay afloat.

Exposing Gauteng’s growing extortion economy – and what to do about it

11th December 2024 in , /by

A new report from the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime delves deep into the growing extortion economy in Gauteng, identifying four main drivers of the criminal practice and four main extortion economies in the province. Authored by Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane, the report is titled Calling the shots: The strong arm of extortion in Gauteng.

Youth anti-corruption contribution acknowledged on IACD 2024

9th December 2024 in , , /by

This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, which is commemorated every year on 9 December, takes place under the theme Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity. The theme highlights the vital role young people play in the fight against corruption and their potential to become powerful agents of change as the world strives for a future that runs on integrity rather than corruption.

Public procurement needs a lot of reform, says thorough new report

6th December 2024 in , , /by

The Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems, or MAPS, recently released a lengthy assessment of South Africa’s public procurement system. The report found that while there has been some progress in reforming the system, significant improvements are needed in terms of systemic corruption, institutional weaknesses, e-procurement limitations, and issues with integrity and anti-corruption measures.