Because corruption is so deep-rooted, we must focus on bold solutions but these measures will not be enough, writes Corruption Watch’s executive director Karam Singh. Kleptocracy resists defeat, and greed remains a toxic driver in our society, while corruption is both endemic and systemic, part of the fabric of South Africa’s public governance.
The Special Investigating Unit’s third final report on its wide-ranging investigation into Covid-19 procurement irregularities has revealed that the value of irregular procurement far exceeds that of procurement carried out according to the rules. In the 5 060 contracts which it has scrutinised to date, the SIU has found irregularities to the value of R8.9-billion, compared to the R6.5-billion which was procured under the prescribed circumstances.
What is clearly missing in the South African response to fighting corruption is emphasis by all actors on the importance of building a culture of integrity, writes Corruption Watch’s Kavisha Pillay. We need personal integrity where individuals question and account for their own daily actions.
In questioning the selection of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies’ candidates for appointment to the SABC board, President Cyril Ramaphosa overstepped his authority. This raises questions, writes Kwazi Dlamini, about his understanding of his role in such processes.
As part of the evaluation of its anti-money laundering framework by the Financial Action Task Force, South Africa was allowed to present a report to the watchdog’s International Co-operation Review Group on the findings of the evaluation report and the plan of action in addressing them. But since every single country to date which has been subjected to that additional process has ended up on the grey list, it was almost a foregone conclusion that South Africa would find itself in the same situation.
Soon after he took office, President Ciryl Ramaphosa announced lifestyle audits for Cabinet members, to reassure the public of his administration’s bold stance against corruption. Five years later, writes Moepeng Talane, South Africans are still waiting for these specific audits to happen.
Former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter earned the ire of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts in an appearance before it on 26 April. The meeting was based on the e.tv television interview De Ruyter gave in February, in which he alluded to senior political figures being part of corruption at the power utility. However, he would not yield to Scopa’s request for names of the implicated parties.
Freedom of expression underpins all other freedoms, says Unesco, custodian of World Press Freedom Day, which marks three decades of existence this year. “This year’s special 30th anniversary celebration is a call to recentre press freedom, as well as independent, pluralistic, and diverse media, as necessary key to the enjoyment of all other human rights.”
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in legal instruments all around the world. The 30th celebration, on 3 May, of World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity to emphasise the role of freedom of expression and media freedom as enablers of all other human rights, and to underscore the indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated nature of all human rights.
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.