Entries by Corruption Watch

CW calls for harsher sentences in cases involving harm to whistle-blowers

24th August 2023 in , , /by

The six men on trial for killing whistle-blower Babita Deokaran were found guilty after admitting in court to the deed, and received jail time ranging from six to 22 years. However, says Corruption Watch, this is not the end of the story – many questions still linger, and the mastermind behind Deokaran’s murder is still at large. Furthermore, the organisation is disappointed at the length of the sentences handed down, saying they do not match the severity of the crime.

Capacitate ID and you’ll see results, says CW head

23rd August 2023 in , /by

For the Independent Directorate to function effectively, says Corruption Watch’s executive director Karam Singh, it must be properly structured, resourced, and capacitated to meet targets. Cabinet approved the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill in mid-August, making the directorate a permanent part of the state prosecuting body.

Still a paucity of parly action on Zondo recommendations, says PMG

22nd August 2023 in , /by

When it comes to high-profile matters that involve corruption and have a far-reaching impact, Parliament is dropping the ball on effective oversight, says the Parliamentary Monitoring Group. The organisation recently released a follow-up to its 2022 review of Parliament’s actions in response to the multi-part final report of the Zondo commission into state capture.

New business laws in SA to tackle corruption, red tape, and CEO pay

15th August 2023 in , /by

The Department of Trade and Industry and Competition will this month submit the Companies First and Second Amendment Bills to Parliament. The two bills are aimed at addressing beneficial ownership transparency, improving transparency around the pay gap between employees and executives, and extending the period during which former directors can be declared delinquent, among others.

Tax havens will siphon trillions unless action taken

10th August 2023 in , /by

Over the next 10 years, says the Tax Justice Network, countries will lose nearly US$5-trillion in tax abuse because of the dodgy dealings of multinational corporations and wealthy individuals using tax havens to avoid paying what is due by them. The organisation is pushing for regulation of the global tax network to transfer to the UN, as it argues that the OECD – the current tax watchdog– is failing to curb tax evasion and illicit financial flows.

Celebrating decades of courageous women

9th August 2023 in , /by

We often talk about the plight of whistle-blowers as being one that involves their safety, wellbeing and security – and rightly so. But often we overlook the power of inspiration that they may have drawn from those who used their positions of power and influence to right wrongs, despite the backlash they received. Some of these are women who, in spite of the circumstances, dared to use their voices for the benefit of many others who could not.