Entries by Corruption Watch

CW submits comments on the Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2020

Corruption Watch has submitted comments on the Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2020, focusing on four issues: firearm ownership for self-defence, accountability in relation to firearm ownership, accountability of police and official institutions, and the Firearms Appeal Board. However, we cautioned that legislative amendments alone will not be effective in reducing violent crime, if we continue to have a weak, infiltrated, and ineffective policing service.

Civil society coalition launches as watchdog over political party funding

The Coalition on Party Funding, launched on 3 August 2021, comprises civil society organisations and activists, and is supported by the work of journalists. It aims to deepen democracy and hold leaders of political parties to account, with an initial focus on ensuring that the new Political Party Funding Act is implemented effectively and does what it purports. The coalition will also support the Independent Electoral Commission in its mandate to administer the PPFA, ensuring that the commission is adequately capacitated.

Corruption as an enabler of wildlife, forest and fisheries crime: part 3

In part 3 of our corruption in wildlife crime series, we discuss the convergence of wildlife crime and other crime, such as money laundering, drug or human trafficking, or fraud. Experts agree that to be effective, measures must include enhanced international co-operation, the involvement of all relevant enforcement agencies, the recognition of wildlife crime as a type of organised crime, and corruption and financial investigations to help recover the ill-gotten proceeds.

CW scrutinises Land Court bill, makes submission to Parliament

Corruption Watch has made a written submission on the Land Court bill of 2021, The organisation has focused on several vulnerabilities in the bill’s provisions, including no effective mechanisms that reduce the scope for corruption, and unclear indications as to how it will address existing systemic hurdles that make it difficult for land claimants to obtain land restitution. Download our submission for the full details.

Show us the receipts! CSOs demand accountability for state capture

Following up on its statement released in October 2020, the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture again calls for law enforcement agencies to focus their attention on individuals and corporations who have either allegedly been complicit in state capture or might have information that can assist the state in challenging the state capture networks. The group has supplied a comprehensive list of such entities.

Online registrations open, but elections may be postponed

UPDATE, 20 July 2021:
Former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke has advisd the Independent Electoral Commission to postpone the upcoming local government elections, scheduled for 27 October this year. In a report released today, Moseneke has recommended that February 2022 be the new target, as only by then would 40% of the population be vaccinated and a herd immunity state be reached. The IEC, meanwhile, unveiled its online voter registration facility just days ago.