Who is responsible for the catastrophe that is Delmore East Ext2? Residents claim they were duped by banks that approved their home loans without due diligence checks on the sustainability of the land. Their houses, built on sinkholes and a wetland, pose a real threat to inhabitants, who are now taking on the banks and developers in a civil case.
Driving licence test centre officials, in collusion with driving school practitioners, to bend the rules as and when they see fit, for their personal benefit – and why not, seeing that some earn up to R22 000 a day. But the lack of immediate consequences for this attitude, writes Zanele Fengu, is that for every forward step in policy and technology to advance the eradication of corruption and fraud, there will be unfortunate concessions to accommodate those who use intimidation and force to secure their demands.
The World Justice Project’s latest Rule of Law index, released for 2021, shows that more countries declined than improved in overall rule of law performance. South Africa is one of the former, languishing in the middle ranks of the index where it has been since its debut seven years ago.
As Corruption Watch marks its 10th year of existence, its founder and former executive director David Lewis looks back on the last decade, pondering the challenges and triumphs experienced. He chats to senior journalist Moepeng Talane.
The Zondo reports ensure that corruption remains firmly embedded in the public discourse. Civil society must now push for quick action and real penalties, writes Karam Singh, executive director of Corruption Watch. Promises and platitudes will not defeat corruption – the guilty must be shown no mercy.
This extract from Pushing for Change – the 2021 Corruption Watch annual report –
is written by senior journalist Moepeng Talane and highlights the work of some of the organisation’s young activists. The annual report also marks the 10-year anniversary of Corruption Watch’s existence, and honours the role whistle-blowers have played in exposing corruption and holding the corrupt to account in South Africa.
Whistleblowers are like you and me, writes Moepeng Talane, a senior journalist and editor with Corruption Watch. They want the same things as you and me: a country that stands and thrives on the values of its people and cherishes the calling of public service. “Our collective responsibility does not end at putting an X next to our favoured political party or representative, but we are also encouraged, even mandated by our laws, to hold recipients of our votes accountable.”
The Special Investigating Unit has uncovered corruption networks which enabled National Lottery Commission officials, in cahoots with non-profit organisations, service providers, and other individuals, to siphon millions of rands from the commission’s coffers – money which the poor of this country had gambled with in the hopes of winning a better life. The SIU has embarked on litigation to recover these funds and set aside grants awarded irregularly.
General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola has been appointed as South Africa’s new national police commissioner, replacing Kehla Sithole who finishes his last day in office today. Masemola is a career policeman who, it is expected, will ensure continuity in the top cop position – but Corruption Watch has expressed concern that his appointment was devoid of transparency and public participation.
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.