Entries by Corruption Watch

FTI: writing was on the wall well before SA’s greylisting

9 May 2023 in , /by

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.

Scopa thoroughly unimpressed with De Ruyter

4 May 2023 in , /by

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.

World Press Freedom Day marks 30th anniversary

3 May 2023 in , /by

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 underpins universal human rights 

2 May 2023 in , /by

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. 

State capture failures show up govt’s shoddy governance measures

24 April 2023 in , , , /by

Without effective criminal investigation and prosecution of those alleged to have taken part in the illicit crimes that South Africa committed to fighting with the Financial Action Task Force, the country runs the risk of being viewed as doomed to fail in bringing corruption under control. The state’s recent double state capture-related failure – the Nulane trial, and the FATF greylisting – highlight the many gaps that exist in its ability to tackle the problem.

A register for beneficial owners: new obligations for shareholders

20 April 2023 in , , , , /by

The need for relevant authorities to have access to beneficial ownership records was not provided for in South Africa’s anti-money laundering framework, writes Eric Jordaan for Moneyweb, and this contributed to the country’s recent greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force. However, recent amendments to the Companies Act aim to regulate the disclosure by companies of those who are ultimately (directly or indirectly) in control of the company.