DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH

‘Presumed innocent’ not an invisibility cloak

Dear Corruption Watch: My local councillor is being investigated for his role in corrupt tender processes in our municipality. A senior branch member of our political party told me that I should not discuss the allegations or charges because the councillor is “innocent until proven guilty”. I understand that this is an important part of Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Global corruption snapshots: 9 July 2015

Image source: Transparency International Thursday, 09/07/2015 – 12:30 Ex-state senator pleads guilty to racketeering in California An ex-California state senator pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a racketeering charge in an organised crime and public corruption case centred in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Leland Yee could face a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

How corruption drives illicit financial flows

By Khalil Goga At the recent Pan-African Parliament session in South Africa, former South African president Thabo Mbeki presented the African Union high-level report on illicit financial flows (IFFs). The parliament accepted the report and its recommendations, showing an increased urgency in limiting IFFs on the continent. The Mbeki report refers to IFFs as funds Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Chief justice hits back

STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE HEADS OF COURT AND SENIOR JUDGES OF ALL DIVISIONS ON 8 JULY 2015 The judiciary’s commitment to the rule of law A Judge’s principal article of faith is to adjudicate without fear favour or prejudice. When each Judge assumes office she or he takes an oath or affirmation Read more >

RAISING AWARENESS

Closing arguments: arms dealers

The Arms Procurement Commission wrapped up at the end of June, after closing arguments had been presented by the interested parties that testified. In this three-part series, we summarise closing arguments from the evidence leaders, the government departments involved, and the arms dealers. Closing arguments: the evidence leaders Closing arguments: the government departments By Lee-Ann Read more >

RAISING AWARENESS

Closing arguments: government depts

The Arms Procurement Commission wrapped up at the end of June, after closing arguments had been presented by the interested parties that testified. In this three-part series, we summarise closing arguments from the evidence leaders, the government departments involved, and the arms dealers. Closing arguments: the evidence leaders Closing arguments: the arms suppliers By Lee-Ann Read more >

RAISING AWARENESS

Closing arguments: evidence leaders

The Arms Procurement Commission wrapped up at the end of June, after closing arguments had been presented by the interested parties that testified. In this three-part series, we summarise closing arguments from the evidence leaders, the government departments involved, and the arms dealers. Closing arguments: the government departments Closing arguments: the arms suppliers By Lee-Ann Read more >

HEROES & ZEROES

Nhleko digs Nkandla hole deeper

Our zero this week is the police minister Nathi Nhleko, for his clumsy and opaque handling of his part of the Nkandla saga. Since Nhleko presented his puzzling report, in May, on whether or not President Jacob Zuma should pay back the money for over R260-million worth of upgrades done at the taxpayer’s expense to Read more >

DEAR CORRUPTION WATCH

Key regulator will control flow of information

Dear Corruption Watch: In May, the deputy minister for constitutional development announced that an information regulator would soon be appointed in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act. What is the role of the information regulator? How does the appointment process work? Would there be recourse for interested parties if unsuitable candidates were to Read more >