Journalists are whistle-blowers too, and their work, as a vital link in the chain of exposing corruption, can change the world – but it’s a risky business. A report published recently by Unesco, titled Threats that Silence, looks at the treatment of journalists globally and narrows down its focus to highlight regional trends.
Members of the media are invited to a two-day conference on beneficial ownership transparency in South Africa, taking place in Cape Town on 16 -17 May 2022. The event is hosted by the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Financial Intelligence Centre, Open Government Partnership, Corruption Watch, and Open Ownership.
Rebuilding squandered public trust means being careful of which persons are elected to power, and punishing those who are caught in wrongdoing. This is the message from Strengthening public trust, a session recently held at the OECD’s 10th annual global anti-corruption and integrity forum.
Public integrity means doing what is right for the economy and society. Political leaders are essential to public integrity because they set the tone for all levels under them – but time and time again they have shown that they cannot be trusted to lead with integrity. The OECD’s 10th annual global anti-corruption and integrity forum set out to address this issue, among others.
The South African public has waited for a long time for the oft-promised lifestyle audit programme to kick in across all government spheres. This is finally a reality, with the announcement in March 2022 by Public Service and Administration minister Ayanda Dlodlo that lifestyle audits are compulsory for all national and provincial departments, as of 1 April.
For too long, it has been easy to use layers of fake companies to hide illicit funds in the financial system, write Corruption Watch’s Mashudu Masutha, and Open Ownership’s Karabo Rajuili. Is the Financial Action Task Force’s new recommendation on beneficial ownership transparency enough to make a difference?
Corruption Watch has achieved much in the first decade of its existence, but there is more work still to be done, writes the organisation’s acting chairperson Mzukisi Qobo. The continuing fight against corruption will require collaboration across civil society, the business community, and state agencies that are tasked with checking corruption.
Whistleblowers expose unlawful or immoral activities conducted by people, organisations, corporations or governments. Too often, they risk their own safety to bring human rights abusers to account and to achieve justice for the abused.
Today, 3 May, is World Press Freedom Day. We may not all like or even tolerate the media, but a free press is a vital component of any strong democracy because it holds power to account, fights for the truth, and informs voters so they can make their mark with authority.
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.