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Lifting the lid on media freedom in Southern Africa

Our new two-part series examines some of the ways that governments in Southern Africa attempt to muzzle investigative journalists. In part one, a trio of journalists who have been targeted share their individual experiences with us. Look out for part two, which looks at positive developments around this issue, tomorrow. Part one They have been Read more >

SA reputation tarnished by “brazen” Hitachi bribe

By Martin Kenney First published on Biznews.com The story of how electronics giant Hitachi bought political influence in order to win a $5.6-billion power station contract, calls into question not only the integrity of a massive company with a global reputation, but also the very integrity of the South African government. Moreover, a $19-million fine Read more >

Even pensions can be scammed

Dear Corruption Watch, I am 84 and receive a civil pension from the Government Employees Pension Fund. About 10 years ago, the GEPF sent me a letter saying my increments had been incorrectly calculated and requesting that I pay back about R32 000. I ignored the letter, thinking it was a scam. I recently received Read more >

SCA clarifies the legal effect of PP findings

By Pierre De Vos First published on Constitutionally Speaking It is not easy to engage in a clear-eyed and unemotional discussion of any court judgment that deals with the legal status of the findings and remedial action issued by the office of the public protector. It may therefore be of some value to try and Read more >

CW welcomes judgment on protector’s powers

Corruption Watch welcomes today’s Supreme Court of Appeal judgment in the matter between Hlaudi Motsoeneng and the Democratic Alliance, in which the public protector’s powers were found to be binding. We laud the decision which found that in the absence of a review application, state and public institutions may not simply ignore the public protector’s Read more >

MVC: Concourt party funding ruling a mere setback

The fight to compel political parties to publicly reveal where their private funding comes from is not over yet, says My Vote Counts’ (MVC) campaign coordinator Judith February. On Wednesday 30 September the Constitutional Court ruled against the bid brought forward by the MVC to compel political parties to publicly disclose where their private funding Read more >

Sassa still ducking and diving

Corruption Watch has learned of the resignation of a senior executive at the South African Social Services Agency (Sassa) who was linked to the alleged irregular payment to (CPS) of almost R317-million. This amount was for the re-registration of grant recipients. Frank Earl tendered his registration several weeks ago in what a reliable source to Read more >

Citizens fighting corruption from the bottom up

By Daniel Hough, Professor of Politics, University of Sussex First published on The Conversation Africa How can policy-makers most effectively tackle corruption? The question is hardly new and over the years it’s one that many have given plenty of thought to. Building up a consensus on what works and why it works has proven difficult, Read more >

Hitachi: a settlement payment is not enough

Global electronics corporation Hitachi’s settlement fine of $19-million for charges brought by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against the company for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is not enough of a sanction. The Japanese multinational company has a diverse footprint in over 40 countries and boasts growing profit margins year on Read more >