Tag: corruption

Are we there yet? E-visas could boost SA’s tourism competitiveness, but we are not yet geared for arrivals. Properly rolled-out digital visas will boost inbound travel. They will also dismantle long-standing entry hurdles. For anyone returning to South Africa after time abroad, there’s an unmistakable sense of homecoming – the warmth of a genuine South African welcome, coupled with the relief of the end of a long-haul flight.

A new study found that tax administration in many African countries is inefficient, hindering revenue collection. This points to potential gaps that could be addressed through institutional reforms. Widespread inefficiencies in tax systems in Africa undermine the mobilisation of government resources, limiting their capacity to deliver public services and make essential investments.

With the state of the nation having taken place earlier this month, I find myself rolling my eyes continuously. The ridiculousness of it all is hard to believe. I can’t believe our country has come to this.

Communal property associations reform aims to address longstanding governance challenges and enhance the effective management of community-owned land. The Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994 allowed individuals and communities to claim rights to dispossessed land. This dispossession occurred due to past racially discriminatory laws or practices.

South Africa relies on a single machine to produce driving license cards, which is downright ludicrous. In November 2021, an electrical fault caused the machine to break down. Repairs took two months, increasing the license backlog by over a million.

Digital governance frameworks are needed to address disjointed oversight and enhance decision-making in today’s complex corporate environments. Despite public outcries about corruption and demands for accountability, the importance of good corporate governance continues to be trivialised.

Television series like Breaking Bad and Ozark reflect the public’s fascination with money laundering and its criminals. Yet, in reality, laundering is far more sophisticated, dangerous, and far-reaching than the fictional exploits of Walter White or Marty Byrde. Unregulated gambling and financial crime are increasingly interconnected, providing criminals with new avenues to launder illicit funds globally.

With the holidays around the corner, combating holiday tax scams is more important than ever. While it is the season to be jolly, it is also a time for caution in South Africa. During this period, South Africans face a heightened risk of tax scams.

The impact of excessive government regulation and control is the harm to businesses and employees caused by excessive workloads and stress. This reduces productivity, morale and overall efficiency in public services. The state is intended to function in an efficient, economical and effective manner.

There is a complex relationship between privacy and freedom of expression. Both rights are enshrined in the South African Constitution and are essential to a democratic society. The right to privacy safeguards personal autonomy by protecting individuals from undue intrusions into their private lives. Freedom of expression, on the other hand, promotes open debate and the sharing of information, which are vital for democracy.