In late 2017 the Steinhoff scandal broke, sending tremors of anger and outrage around the world, especially in the countries where the South African multinational retail holding company traded or was listed. Accounting irregularities dating back to 2015 were uncovered during an auditing probe triggered by the refusal of Deloitte, Steinhoff’s auditing firm at the Read more >
Mauritius, that lazy, friendly little island in the Indian Ocean, beloved of holidaymakers and honeymooners, has a dark side. It is also a favourite haunt of money launderers and tax evaders and in fact, is known as one of the world’s top corporate tax havens. In July 2019, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists’ (ICIJ) Read more >
The short list for the upcoming position of auditor-general (AG) was announced at the beginning of August. Current AG Kimi Makwetu ends his distinguished term of office on 30 November, and the six candidates to replace him are: Mr Michael Sass, CA (SA)Dr Moses Gasela, (FCCA, UK)Ms Shabeer Khan, CA (SA)Ms Tsakani Maluleke, CA (SA)Mr Read more >
Governance: the traditions and institutions by which authority in a country is exercised, including the process by which governments are selected, monitored and replaced; the capacity of the government to effectively formulate and implement sound policies; and the respect of citizens and the state for the institutions that govern economic and social interactions among them. Read more >
By Thato Mahlangu Part one of our mini-series on the UN’s World Drug Report 2020 looked at some of the report’s key findings. In the second and final part, we cover the situation in South Africa at the moment. The situation is serious, and it’s not getting better. According to anti-crime organisation Enact, the local Read more >
By Thato Mahlangu Drug markets have been reported to be increasing, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. This grim but unsurprising information is one of the findings of the UN’s World Drug Report which was released on 25 June 2020. The report reveals how some governments are failing to clamp down on the illicit trade of Read more >
An amendment to the Ipid Act is on the cards, finally. The legislation governing the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is as flawed as the process to appoint the head of Ipid, because ultimately it comes down to the discretion of one person – the minister of police. In July Minister Bheki Cele announced his selection Read more >
Towards the end of June the parliamentary standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) received an update from the Special Investigating Unit on its investigations into the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Cases discussed included Mhlathuze Water Board, Vuwani Steel Pipeline, Lepelle Northern Water, Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, the DWS SAP licence contract, Umgeni Read more >
Earlier in July Corruption Watch (CW) wrote to the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on the Appointment of the Auditor-General (AG) with a detailed submission containing our views, plans and recommendations. The term of the incumbent AG Kimi Makwetu, who has served with distinction, comes to an end on 30 November 2020. Our submission to the Read more >
