Accountability means different things to different people, in different contexts and in different countries. In this article, based on the Accountability Research Center’s recent working paper on accountability keywords, we take a closer look at the concept.
While the governing ANC talks a lot about fighting corruption and develops ambitious action plans, writes Corruption Watch’s Moepeng Talane, its lack of a culture of accountability for wrongdoing within its own ranks is one of its greatest weaknesses.
Corruption is paid for not only in hard currency, but also in human potential, trust and solidarity, and the very future of the planet. The only way to meaningfully tackle it, says the UN Development Programme, is to work together – because the price we are paying is too high.
The fact that National Treasury’s tender defaulters database is empty – and likely has been ever since it was set up in 2004 – is less of a Treasury problem and more of a criminal justice system problem, says procurement law expert Prof Geo Quinot. One probable reason, he contends, is that there are not enough prosecutions happening under the very specific procurement-related provisions of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day takes place under the theme UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption. It marks the beginning of the lead-up to the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Corruption.
As South Africa anticipates the decision of the Constitutional Court as to whether it will hear President Cyril Ramaphosa’s challenge to the Section 89 report, we unpack the impeachment process that possibly awaits the head of state.
Corruption Watch sincerely thanks all those who donated to our 947 Ride Joburg campaign, and who continue to support our work – because of you we were able to exceed our fundraising target for this event. Our aim has always been to rally the public against corruption and to offer solutions to safeguard and improve the country’s systems against corruption.
The Phala Phala debate is just hotting up, it seems. President Cyril Ramaphosa has challenged the report of the Section 89 independent panel into the possibility of impeaching him as a result of his conduct in the controversial matter, taking the matter directly to the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, his supporters and opponents are becoming increasingly vocal, while the public watches the proceedings like spectators at a tennis match.
The South African government is working on establishing a central register of employees implicated in misconduct who resign before having to account for their actions. This measure, which will track those who flee the scene before facing accountability, is one of those mentioned in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 77-page plan to address and implement the far-reaching recommendations of the Zondo commission.
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.