Joburg Corruption Exposed

The Centre for Development and Enterprise says Johannesburg's failing services have become a source of profit for corrupt officials, contractors, and criminal networks. They have a financial interest in frustrating the city's recovery, according to Ann Bernstein, the centre's executive director.

The city spends about R20 billion a year buying goods and services, but corruption diverts resources needed to maintain infrastructure. Businesses and officials benefiting from emergency spending have an incentive to perpetuate the failures that generate it.

Violence and intimidation are used extensively to protect corrupt interests and threaten investigators, whistleblowers, politicians, and legitimate businesses. The centre's report, 'Time for Action: Corruption in Joburg', draws on research from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

The report sets out priorities for the administration that takes office after the municipal elections. It suggests that making all procurement processes transparent will change the enforcement environment and allow for public scrutiny across the whole contract.

Bernstein noted allegations of tender irregularities within the city, including in the water sector. She said the public should be able to access details about the flow of state funds, suggesting a step-by-step dashboard.

The city's own investigations have revealed a pattern of corruption and sabotage, which has led to service delivery failures. The centre's report highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the city's procurement processes.

The municipal elections are scheduled for November 4, and the city is expected to be one of the fiercest battlegrounds. The next administration will need to address the issue of corruption and ensure that the city's services are delivered efficiently and effectively.