Media Statement 3 July 2024
Corruption Watch board responds to allegations in recent Sunday World article
In the interests of transparency and accountability, the board of Corruption Watch wishes to respond to the unfounded and misleading allegations levelled against it that appeared in an article in Sunday World on 30 June 2024. The board understands and takes its fiduciary and oversight very seriously and has no business to defend any wrongdoing within the organisation.
The board confirms that it had received two internal whistle-blower reports in October 2021 and February 2023 that contained allegations of misconduct on the part of the organisation’s executive director. The board acted promptly and in good faith by appointing independent professionals to investigate all the whistle-blower allegations. The process of appointing the independent professionals was transparent and in line with the organisation’s procurement policies. Allegations of conflict of interest on the part of any board member at the time in the procurement of the professionals are misleading and unfounded.
The board reviewed the findings of the investigations in detail and took the decision to accept the recommendations of external experts in the fields of dispute resolution and commercial and regulatory law and litigation, with expertise in labour relations. The two investigations found that there was insufficient evidence to take disciplinary action against the executive director. The board accepted the professional advice it received from the independent investigators and decided not to institute disciplinary action. It rejects the allegation that it protected the executive director. In addition, at the advice of the external experts, an extensive review and improvement of policy and procedures was undertaken to strengthen internal processes.
Noting further concerns raised by staff and in the interests of creating a healthy and conducive workplace, a special board meeting was convened on 25 March 2024 to consider and find lasting solutions to the issues raised by staff. At this meeting, the board decided to appoint external consultants to conduct a review of organisational culture, processes, and systems to ensure that Corruption Watch is not derailed from its mission. An independent and reputable service provider has since been appointed to undertake this task, prior to the Sunday World article. This review will be concluded in the third quarter of the 2024.
The board assures all stakeholders that every effort will be made to ensure that all matters that may be detrimental to the work of the Corruption Watch are addressed expeditiously. The members appointed to serve on the Corruption Watch board take their roles seriously and have pledged to uphold the principles and values of ethics and good governance. This includes a responsibility to address with thoroughness, independence, and fairness all problems that may arise and to ensure Corruption Watch can fulfil its mandate to fight corruption in South Africa with integrity.
For media enquiries contact:
Oteng Makgotlwe
Cell: 076 473 8336 E-mail: OtengM@corruptionwatch.org.za
