On World Whistle-blower Day, 23 June, we reflect that, after many years of half=hearted promises, the South African government appears to be finally creeping forward in terms of beefing up whistle-blower protection in the country.
A year after the Zondo commission released the first of its series of final reports, little has been done in practical terms, apart from a parliamentary and presidential implementation plan for the recommendations. The pace and breadth of reform is too slow, say organisations Pari and Casac in this statement marking the occasion.
The country is abuzz with speculation after ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula recently told the Sunday Times that the party had erred in disbanding the elite Scorpions anti-corruption unit, writes Moepeng Talane for our CW Voices blog. However, Mbalula’s statement may very well be yet more electioneering rhetoric ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Global anti-corruption organisation Transparency International has marked its 30th anniversary and as the South African chapter, Corruption Watch celebrates with it. Established in 1993, our parent organisation started off with a focus on overseas bribery, but soon expanded its scope to include all forms of corruption.
To commemorate this year’s World Refugee Day, 20 June 2023, we consider the tale of two Rwandan men, one who sought shelter in South Africa away from genocide, and another who fled accountability for his part in it.
The Human Sciences Research Council is running a survey titled Attitudes towards the Zondo Commission and State Capture. The survey also asks for thoughts on the protection of whistle-blowers, and on cadre deployment. Anyone can take part – the survey is completely confidential and is conducted on a data-free platform which will not use your data.
The Gupta brothers may not be off the hook yet. Justice minister Ronald Lamola last week announced enhanced extradition and co-operation moves between the UAE, to where the brothers had fled after the fall of their erstwhile crony Jacob Zuma, and South Africa, where they built their business empire.
Nominations and applications for the next public protector are now open. Read our article on the criteria for the post, give it some thought, and send your application or nomination to the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee to Nominate a Person for Appointment as Public Protector before 16h00 on 7 July 2023.
Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke, presenting the annual municipal audit outcomes to the parliamentary standing committee on the auditor-general on 31 May 2023, said the dismal report was yet another reminder of the urgency with which oversight bodies must engage with their duties.
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.