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How corruption in South Africa is deeply rooted in the country’s past and why that matters

How corruption in South Africa is deeply rooted in the country’s past and why that matters

STEVEN FRIEDMAN, Professor of Political Studies, University of Johannesburg WHEN South Africans express shock at corruption, few seem to know that it is perhaps the country’s oldest tradition. Citizen anger about corruption, a constant theme in South African political debate, reacts to a very real problem. This was underlined recently by news that well-connected people had enriched themselves at the expense of efforts to contain COVID-19. What is not real is the widespread belief that corruption is both new and easy to fix. Reactions to corruption portray it as a product of African National Congress (ANC) rule (or majority rule…
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COVID-19 tender scandal: Presidential aide goes on special leave

COVID-19 tender scandal: Presidential aide goes on special leave

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER FOUR days after South African president Cyril Ramaphosa spoke tough on corruption in the multi-billion package to provide COVID-19 material, his spokesperson has taken a leave of absence in the face of a procurement scandal. Presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko has temporarily left her job following allegations that her husband’s company got an R125-million tender to provide personal protection equipment in Gauteng. Diko and her husband Thandisizwe, have denied the allegations. A statement from the presidency said:  “The Spokesperson to the President, Khusela Diko, has requested the Presidency to allow her to take leave of absence from all…
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Zimbabwe police arrest critics ahead of anti-government protests

Zimbabwe police arrest critics ahead of anti-government protests

ZIMBABWEAN police have arrested an opposition official and a journalist, accusing them of inciting violence ahead of street demonstrations planned for next week by activists who charge government corruption has exacerbated economic hardship. The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said it feared the arrests were the start of a crackdown and intimidation of government opponents to stop the July 31 protests. Many citizens say their economic prospects have worsened since President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over from the late Robert Mugabe following a coup in 2017. Mnangagwa says the economy is being sabotaged by local and foreign opponents. Police…
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