Launch of The Progress Report

Judges Matter announces the launch of the Progress Report:

Tracking South Africa’s fight against corruption

South Africa’s anti-corruption efforts are making strides, but the public remains sceptical. Billions of rands lost to fraud and corruption have left many wondering if justice is truly being served. Yet, behind the scenes, key institutions are working to recover stolen funds, prosecute financial crimes, and hold wrongdoers accountable. To ensure these efforts are recognised and understood, Judges Matter, in collaboration with the Democratic Governance and Rights Unit (DGRU) at the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Law, is launching The Progress Report – a dedicated platform tracking the adjudication of corruption cases in South Africa.

While corruption often dominates headlines, the real work of holding perpetrators to account happens in the Special Tribunal and Specialised Commercial Crimes Courts (SCCCs). These institutions play a crucial role in the country’s justice system, ensuring financial misconduct is exposed and addressed. The Progress Report will document their progress, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas in need of reform.

Why the Progress Report matters

Public frustration with corruption is growing. The 2023 Afrobarometer survey found that 82% of South Africans believe corruption has worsened, while only 10% think the government is doing enough to address it. Many feel that those responsible are not being held accountable, and trust in the justice system is eroding.

Yet progress is being made.

The Special Tribunal and SCCCs are playing a critical role in ensuring accountability and recovering public funds. The Progress Report will track these efforts, providing clear, factual reporting on corruption cases, legal rulings, and financial recoveries. By making this information accessible, we aim to bridge the gap between public perception and reality, demonstrating where justice is being served and where systemic improvements are still needed.

The numbers: Corruption is being fought in the Courts

Since 2019, the Special Tribunal and SCCCs have made real strides:

• 107 judgments delivered by the Special Tribunal (2019–2024)
• Over R2.28 billion recovered in judgments and settlements
• 1 300+ convictions in corruption-related cases, including 500 government officials
• 18 billion in frozen assets linked to state capture and corruption cases

This is proof that justice is being served – but there’s more work to be done.

Biggest cases that have exposed corruption

The Progress Report tracks high-profile corruption cases that have resulted in major financial recoveries and accountability in both the Special Commercial Crimes Courts and the Special Tribunal:

• Thabiso Hamilton Ndlovu PPE Fraud Case (GP19/2021) – R158 850 921.13 recovered from fraudulent PPE contracts. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ndlovu exploited procurement loopholes to secure inflated PPE tenders. The Special Tribunal’s ruling ensured these funds were recovered and redirected to public healthcare needs.

• System Applications Products (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (GP04/2020) – Over R343 million in unlawfully obtained funds ordered to be repaid. This case exposed fraudulent financial dealings within state contracts, demonstrating the necessity of rigorous procurement oversight.

• ABB and Eskom Corruption Settlement – R2.5 billion punitive settlement in 2023, following 56 billion repaid to Eskom in 2020. The case revealed extensive corruption in Eskom’s contracts, with ABB’s involvement leading to one of the largest financial settlements in South African history.

• Digital Vibes Scandal – R22 million in assets frozen within weeks of the investigation, exposing irregular Covid-19 contracts. The Special Tribunal’s swift action in this case demonstrated its ability to act decisively to prevent further financial losses.

• Ledla Structural Development PPE Case – 7 million awarded following a fraudulent Covid-19 PPE contract. The Tribunal’s intervention stopped millions from being siphoned from the state and reinforced the importance of transparent procurement.

• The State v Hildegard Antionette Pieterse – A landmark case on large-scale corporate theft. Pieterse, a former bookkeeper at Medtronic Africa, stole millions through fraudulent VAT claims and unauthorized payments. The court found her guilty of 336 counts of theft, sentencing her to 50 years’ imprisonment after determining she had no genuine remorse. The case underscored the devastating financial impact of corporate fraud, with SARS holding Medtronic liable for over R770 million in VAT repayments and penalties.

• The State v Michelle Nunes and Rudi John Baker (Case No. SCCC 273/11) – Johannesburg Special Commercial Crimes Court: A major case of corporate fraud and financial misrepresentation. Nunes, a bookkeeper at Xanadu Printing and Graphics, was found guilty of 160 counts of fraud amounting to R1.8 million and additional charges under POCA. Baker was convicted as an accomplice. The case revealed systematic payroll and creditor payment fraud, including the unauthorized transfer of company funds to personal accounts, fraudulent salary increases, and medical aid fraud.

These cases are a clear signal that corruption is being confronted, and those responsible are being held to account. Each judgment and financial recovery represent progress in restoring integrity to South Africa’s institutions and ensuring that stolen funds are returned to public service delivery.

Breaking through the lies: Exposing the truth

The 2023 Afrobarometer survey found that while 54% of South Africans believe the government has the ability to fight corruption, only 34% believe it is truly committed to doing so. This gap between what is possible and what is being done highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability.

The Progress Report will:

• Highlight institutional wins – demonstrating the impact of the Special Tribunal and SCCCs in fighting corruption.
• Expose corruption in action – tracking cases, outcomes, and ongoing legal battles.
• Advocate for reform – calling for the Special Tribunal to have the resources and independence it needs to function effectively.

The road ahead: What needs to change

While progress is being made, challenges remain. The Special Tribunal and SCCCs face delays, resource constraints, and a lack of political urgency to strengthen their mandates. The Progress Report will continue to monitor these issues, pushing for reforms that enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. 

South Africa’s fight against corruption is far from over, but each case won, each fund recovered, and each official held accountable is a step in the right direction.

Join the fight against corruption

The launch of the Progress Report marks a significant step in ensuring that corruption is confronted with transparency and accountability. We encourage the public, policymakers, and civil society to stay informed, share these findings, and push for stronger anti-corruption measures.

Follow us, share our stories, and demand accountability.

For more information, visit https://www.theprogressreport.org.za/ 

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