Corruption Watch, an independent anti-corruption civil society organization, has strongly refuted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent claim that corruption has decreased during his tenure.
Ramaphosa made this statement in a wide-ranging interview with 702, where he highlighted his administration’s anti-corruption efforts and institutional reforms.
Ramaphosa asserted that “commentators like Corruption Watch have said that during this term, they have seen incidents of corruption going down.” However, Corruption Watch objects to being referenced in this manner, considering it part of an electioneering campaign.
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The organization emphasized that its reports and research represent only one facet of the entire corruption landscape in South Africa.
Karam Singh, executive director of Corruption Watch, explained that while the number of reports received by their organization may have declined in recent years, this does not reflect the true state of corruption in the country.
Singh pointed out that corruption levels have been on an upward trajectory for over a decade, as evidenced by tools like the Corruption Perceptions Index. Despite efforts by various organizations and institutions, the battle against corruption remains ongoing.
Corruption Watch recently published an opinion piece titled “Elections and the Dirty Game of Disinformation.” The article highlights how organizations with strong anti-corruption profiles, including Corruption Watch, can become targets for misinformation.
In a specific example, a user distorted figures and content from the 2023 annual report, falsely attributing it to Corruption Watch. The aim was to create the impression that corruption cases had decreased under the current administration.
The arganization reaffirms its commitment to its role as an independent anti-corruption watchdog. The organization will continue to debunk misleading messages and protect its reputation from being co-opted for political gain.
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