Latest news with #NationalAnti-CorruptionStrategy
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
What challenges do whistle-blowers face in South Africa's battle against corruption?
South Africa, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has amended various laws to combat corruption, however, whistle-blowers are exposed to risk, with some in hiding. Image: Supplied While South Africa has implemented various anti-corruption laws, including a National Anti-Corruption Strategy, concerns have been raised about the ineffective whistle-blower mechanisms and the whistle-blowing framework, which limits the reporting of wrongdoing. Among key anti-corruption laws that have been amended are the Prevention of Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Legislation General Laws, and the National Prosecution Authority Amendment Act, which stemmed from the Zondo Commission Report. Mary de Haas, a KwaZulu-Natal violence monitor, said whistle-blowers' lives are at risk, and it seems that politicians are untouchable, as corruption continues and often leads back to politicians. She mentioned at least two whistle-blowers whose lives are at risk after they exposed corruption. People in government, from the president down, are promising help for whistle-blowers, but there is nothing, she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'Patricia Mashale was a very senior admin person within the police, and she reported corruption to the then National police commissioner General Khehla Sitole about Free State management corruption. He (Sitole) sent it back to them, and her life became endangered. 'Mashale can't live with her children because her house is under surveillance, and there is no financial support for whistle-blowers. How could people live when they have lost a job, have been illegally dismissed, and they can't live in their own homes because they are under surveillance and may get killed?' De Haas asked. She said, Warrant Officer Meshack Makhubo, who opened the second docket in the Senzo Meyiwa case, is also in danger. 'There was an attack on his home. It wasn't just a break-in attack. It was an onslaught on his home. They want him dead because he knows too much about corruption in the police and the cover-up in the Meyiwa case.. 'I have been informed that a lot of people now just keep quiet even when they know about corruption. They just go with it because when you open your mouth or you show that you are reporting it, your job is the first thing on the line. A lot of the dismissals are swift, and the Labour Court has confirmed they are illegal,' De Haas said. She added that the other thing they do is bring a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) suit, which is filed to silence or intimidate someone who has spoken out about a matter of public interest. 'I've got one against me, which is nonsense. I mean, there is no substance in it at all, but they try to shut you up by threatening to sue you if you report them. That's how bad it is,' she said. Devoshum Moodley-Veera, an integrity activist, PhD student at the School of Public Leadership and ACCERUS at Stellenbosch University, said there has been a lot of talk around the amendment of the Protected Disclosures Act for years, but it is yet to be seen whether law alone can assist in whistle-blower protection. 'Whistle-blowing is multi-faceted with several role players involved, yet we see a blame culture on whose role is it to protect whistle-blowers. With the laws not providing a dedicated institution to deal with whistle-blowing complaints, I am afraid that retaliation will increase under the current whistle-blowing framework, as we have seen severe cases such as Babita Deokaran and Pamela Kabini,' Moodley-Veera said. She added that the Feinstein and Devine report of 2021 examined the sufficiency of the primary whistle-blower laws by juxtaposing 17 countries with the standards established by the European Union Whistleblowing Directive (2019/1937). South Africa met only five of the 20 criteria to be included in whistle-blowing laws, which makes whistle-blowing legislation ineffective in South Africa. Moodley-Veera said the country can be commended for a number of anti-corruption initiatives, however, the implementation remains weak. 'The Transparency International Corruption Perception Index is used to measure anti-corruption effectiveness. Thus far, South Africa has scored 41, the same as the previous year, showing no progress. The score is below the global average of 43, having dropped by three points since 2019. It should be noted that this index shows perceived levels of corruption in the public sector, not the number of cases reported or experiences of the public,' Moodley-Veera said. She highlighted that there is a trust deficit in the country, and citizens would like to see action and accountability, which are severely lacking. 'Action should be taken. Institutions should appoint competent, ethical leadership to implement these initiatives. Legislation should be reformed, and laws should be developed to address the current context and situation in the country. The use of Western laws does not help the country in its current state,' she said. During the State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government had started taking steps to expose and punish corrupt activities in the public and private sectors, to reform institutions, making them stronger, more transparent, and restoring a professional and effective public service. He said the NPA Investigating Directorate had at that time enrolled over 34 corruption cases, charged 202 accused individuals, and 65 accused entities. 'We are making progress in the fight against corruption with over 1,300 corruption convictions in four years, including 500 government officials. R14.18 billion assets frozen in corruption and state capture cases. Thirty-four cases were enrolled, involving over 200 accused persons, including former ministers and some of the largest corporate companies in the country, such as McKinsey and ABB. 'The NPA has finalised a comprehensive settlement agreement with company ABB to pay over a further R2.5bn in 'punitive reparations to South Africa' for its part in state capture. This adds to the R6 billion ABB already paid to Eskom in 2020,' Ramaphosa said. Moodley-Veera explained that the challenges experienced with asset recovery by the Asset Forfeiture Unit and Investigating Directorate, both positioned within the National Prosecuting Authority, are the slow disposal rates of cases, which lead to high management costs and high recovery costs, resulting in loss of value. The high costs of appointing curators to manage the frozen assets as part of property management. There is also a lack of technical and forensic skills within these institutions for asset recovery. This lack of technical skills results in unsuccessful confiscation proceedings. There is also a lack of capacity, inadequate budgets, poor collaboration, political interference in the criminal justice system and the law enforcement agencies, Moodley-Veera explained. She added that one of the biggest successes of anti-corruption efforts in South Africa was that the late Dudu Myeni (former South African Airways chairperson) was found to be a delinquent director by the courts under the Companies Act. This was after the state capture proceedings. 'Another success is that due to transparency, the State Capture commission proceedings were broadcast in the media, and also the report was shared with the public. There has also been more public awareness around whistle-blowing, and some of the biggest cases of retaliation were made public. This shows that whistle-blowing is indeed one of the tools to be used for anti-corruption measures. As a country, we have also seen the vital role played by media and civil society organisations in addressing corruption in South Africa. 'However, there are persistent challenges such as ineffective whistle-blowing laws, cases that are delayed, high costs of litigation, and regulators and state institutions lacking independence to deal with corruption cases. There is also a lack of resources to deal with cases,' she said. 'Civil society organisations have come together to develop and launch the Zondo Tracker to also oversee the implementation of the Zondo recommendations,' Moodley-Veera said. She added that anti-corruption initiatives should not be seen as a responsibility of the state only, but should be a collaborative effort to achieve a society that is free from fraud and corruption.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa launches new forum to combat water sector corruption
Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina welcomes the launch of the WSACF. Image: Supplied South Africa has taken a major step in its battle against corruption with the official launch of the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum (WSACF). The forum is a strategic initiative to address rising corruption risks in the country's water sector and is rooted in Pillar Six of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), which focuses on protecting vulnerable sectors through robust risk management and accountability measures. Special Investigating Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the establishment of the WSACF is a whole-of-society call to action to root out corruption in water management. 'This collaborative model strengthens accountability, closes gaps, and implements measurable and actionable prevention plans.' said Kganyago. The forum brings together an unprecedented coalition of stakeholders from government departments, municipalities, civil society, regulators, traditional leaders, and the private sector, united by the common goal of ensuring clean, transparent water governance. This initiative follows the findings of 14 Special Investigating Unit proclamations involving the Department of Water and Sanitation, with eight investigations concluded and five still active. According to the SIU, these cases highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated anti-corruption response. The WSACF is also a direct response to international and continental commitments. It aligns with the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group's Priority Three, the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030's goals on water security, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The forum was launched shortly after South Africa assumed the chairpersonship of the Association of Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Agencies from Ghana during a regional conference held in Cape Town. Adv. Andy Mothibi, Head of the SIU, now leads the association for the 2025–2026 term. Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, welcomed the initiative, noting that it builds on the department's existing corruption prevention strategy. 'The WSACF strengthens the collective resolve to tackle graft decisively in the water sector,' she said. The forum's key objectives include supporting sector-wide anti-corruption initiatives, improving investigative coordination, ensuring real outcomes such as prosecutions and recoveries, and promoting transparency within anti-corruption bodies themselves. The WSACF also builds on the tested success of similar sector-based forums, including those focused on health, infrastructure, local government, and border management. Independent evaluations of these forums have highlighted their role in improving accountability and delivering real results. The forum is now calling on water organisations, conservationists, academics, and community activists to join the movement. 'This is premised on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which envisages a whole-of-society approach,' said Kganyago. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Saba Yemen
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Anti-Corruption & Transport ministries discuss irregularities & solutions
Sana'a - Saba: A meeting held on Wednesday in Sana'a, attended by Redhwan Mohammed Al-Mutawakel, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme National Anti-Corruption Authority, and Mohammed Qaheem, Minister of Transport and Public Works, discussed aspects of cooperation and coordination in combating corruption. The meeting reviewed a matrix outlining the most prominent irregularities within the ministry and its affiliated agencies, along with preventive measures to address them. The matrix was prepared by the Authority through its Corruption Prevention Department, based on reports, complaints, and case files under review. The Deputy Chairman of the Authority emphasized the commitment to seriously implementing the preventive measures outlined in the matrix to address irregularities, thereby enhancing corruption prevention within the ministry and its affiliated entities. This aligns with the directives of the leadership, the program of the Government of Change and Construction, and the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. For his part, the Minister of Transport and Public Works affirmed the ministry's dedication to strengthening anti-corruption efforts and adhering to the measures outlined in the matrix prepared by the Authority, in line with the proposed solutions. He also highlighted the importance of the outcomes of the ongoing discussions between the two sides and the development of a phased implementation plan. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
C4 Centre condemns Azam Baki's reappointment as MACC chief commissioner for third term
Azam has been reappointed MACC chief commissioner for a third time. — Bernama photo KUCHING (May 13): The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) has condemned the decision to reappoint Tan Sri Datuk Seri Azam Baki as Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner for another one-year term. The C4 Centre said the primary criticism of the current appointment process is that it is effectively carried out on the unilateral discretion of the prime minister, which clearly introduces an inherent risk of political considerations colouring the direction of the MACC's operations,' it said in a statement yesterday. The centre said this criticism goes beyond the selection of Azam that allows the prime minister to handpick the leader of the nation's anti-graft agency. Until and unless this process is holistically reformed, C4 Centre said public faith in the integrity of the criminal justice system will always be tarnished. 'It is appalling that the Anwar administration has repeatedly failed to introduce any change despite multiple opportunities to do something,' the centre lamented. It said commitments had been made by the current federal government to reform the appointment process, both domestically and internationally, yet seemingly no progress has been made. The centre said under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024 to 2028, the initiative for 'relooking' requirements for the appointment and dismissal of the MACC chief commissioner is a long-term sub-strategy, with an anticipated period of four to five years for implementation. 'Even if the argument is made that legal amendments take time to draft and enact, there is nothing preventing the government from introducing measures at the policy level to decentralise and democratise the appointment process, e.g. by introducing an open call for candidates, receiving input from opposition MPs and civil society representatives, and maintaining transparency throughout the selection process. 'If the prime minister wishes to show his commitment to upholding good governance and combating corruption, these are actionable steps that can be taken in the short-term,' said the centre. Instead, it said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration had opted to sit back and stay silent on MACC reform. C4 Centre opined the third reappointment of Azam showed Putrajaya did not view MACC reform as an area worth championing. 'We would note that this approach will only be detrimental to the government, as any action taken by the MACC will always be coloured by a public perception of unfairness. 'Whichever government implements measures to protect the independence of the MACC chief commissioner will ultimately benefit from greater public trust in the integrity of the criminal justice system, and it is a shame that the Anwar administration continues to fail to grasp this fact,' added the centre. Azam Baki C4 Centre Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism MACC
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MACC reaffirms vow to strengthen integrity, governance
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen global integrity and governance. The anti-graft agency recently led the Malaysian delegation to the Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity 2025 in the Maldives, which also included representatives from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, in his keynote address, highlighted the vital role of integrity in tourism and outlined Malaysia's efforts to address corruption risks in the sector. "He also outlined the challenges and solutions implemented by Malaysia, including the introduction of an online tourist registration system, the use of a centralised foreign worker management system, the installation of autogates at airports, and the formulation of the National Tourism Policy and National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS). "He also addressed critical issues such as the misuse of tourist visas for human trafficking, fraud in online tourism services, bribery in the visa approval process and illicit collaboration between travel agents and enforcement officers," the agency said in a statement. The MACC delegation also engaged in bilateral meetings with international counterparts, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) of South Africa, the Anti-Corruption Directorate under the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of the Republic of Maldives. "These discussions open the door to deeper cross-border cooperation, particularly in information exchange, investigative collaboration, and technical support in anti-corruption enforcement and prevention," the MACC said in a statement. The forum, held from May 6 to 7 at Villa Nautica in the Maldives, marked the first international initiative of its kind focusing on corruption in tourism. It carried the theme "Strengthening Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism Sector", and saw more than 190 delegates from more than 50 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries participating, including government officials, corporate leaders, international organisations and civil society representatives.
