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SAAC Project Empowers Eastern Cape Communities in Battle Against Corruption

Published November 17, 2024
3 months ago

A groundbreaking project seeks to revolutionize the fight against corruption in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. The Strengthening Action Against Corruption (SAAC) Project, an ambitious collaboration between Corruption Watch (CW), Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT), Transparency International (TI), and co-funded by the European Union, is shaping a new era of accountability and transparency.





SAAC zeroes in on the critical role of civil society players – particularly community advice offices and civil-society organizations in fostering a resilient stance against corruption by enabling them through training and resources. The infusion of skills and knowledge sparks a culture that counters corrupt practices and nurtures good governance.


A shining example of SAAC's efforts was the landmark Corruption Busting Bootcamp (CBB) held in July 2024. The event convened roughly 30 organizations from across the province, following a baseline survey determining their corruption awareness level. The CBB was a significant step towards enabling these groups to spearhead grassroots anti-corruption initiatives.


Foremost, the SAAC project strives to enhance CSO-driven anti-corruption initiatives, bolster collaboration across the societal spectrum, and amplify transparency within public and private sectors. These goals come against a backdrop of dire statistics reflecting the impacts of rampant corruption: an alarming unemployment rate, staggering economic losses, and a poverty line that ensnares nearly half of South Africa's adult population.


The findings of the Zondo Commission, a grim legacy of state capture, and a persistent energy crisis underscore the urgency of this project. Corruption at the local government level, especially in the Eastern Cape, mirrors the sinister pattern of national scandals, with muitiple municipalities under the Hawks' investigative lens since 2022.


Through SAAC, there’s a renewed commitment to cracking down on individuals who exploit weak governance systems. Local organizations are being equipped with the wherewithal to challenge corruption, effecting real change at the community level. Empowered by the support and coordination from CW, SCAT, and TI, the Eastern Cape stands as a beacon of hope and action in South Africa's enduring battle against the corruption epidemic.


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