We often refer to corruption in metaphorical terms, writes Corruption Watch legal researcher Tharin Pillay. Beyond this colourful terminology, however, is there anything useful we can learn which will help us take practical steps towards tackling both grand and petty corruption?
A global asset registry would be another important step towards achieving beneficial ownership transparency, the redistribution of immense wealth, and the reduction of inequality. But as long as opacity continues to undermine transparency, the super-rich and secretive will not have to account for their (often) ill-gotten gains.
The Counter-Corruption Summit, taking place today in Stellenbosch, aims to create a shared platform for eradicating endemic corruption in South African society. The focus of this initiative is corruption in public procurement.
It is time that President Cyril Ramaphosa comes clean on the Phala Phala saga, says Corruption Watch. The president must do the right thing and submit himself to the same processes of accountability and transparency that he demands of others.
Corruption is crippling economies across the African continent, writes social and political commentator Tafi Mhaka for Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, from Malawi to South Africa and Mozambique and further afield, high-ranking civil servants and their relatives, in cahoots with industry and business leaders, seem to have long been shamelessly stealing from the long-suffering masses.
Lack of action from about 2016 by the ANC against allegations of state capture was not a ‘’delay’’ as President Cyril Ramaphosa would like it to be known, the Zondo commission has concluded – rather, it should be seen as a firm decision not to act against former president Jacob Zuma and others who were complicit. Furthermore, the party sacrificed its sworn duty to serve the public on the altar of self-interest, the commission’s final report has found.
Corruption Watch has made a submission to the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, on the upcoming appointment of commissioners to the Commission on Gender Equality. The commission has been mired in controversy of late, but we argue that, if done with the proper consideration, the appointment of new commissioners could stabilise the leadership crisis and ensure that the body works to advance its constitutional mandate.
After topping the Open Budget Index in 2019, South Africa features in second place on the 2021 edition, behind Georgia. The OBI is a comparative measure of budget transparency, participation, and oversight. In the 2021 edition, 120 countries were assessed.
The Special Investigating Unit has celebrated 25 years of existence, and significant success in recovering stolen public money and resources. With its unique set of powers and its Special Tribunal which is similar in status to a high court, the SIU is well placed to continue investigating and acting against the corrupt.
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.