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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za Preventing Corruption Reporting corruption The role of civil society What ODAC does What is our impact?

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za The role of civil society Educate Advocate Mobilise

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za ODAC Our mission: To promote open and transparent democracy; foster a culture of corporate and government accountability; and assist people in South Africa to be able to realize their human rights.

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za ODAC seeks to achieve its mission through realising the right to know so that it makes a material, tangible difference to the lives of the poor, and thereby contributes to social and economic justice

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za South Africas Constitutional Framework Right to access to information (sec 32) Right to freedom of expression (sec 16)

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za Legislative framework Promotion of Access to Information Act Protected Disclosures Act Promotion of Administrative Justice Act

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za Why part of National Integrity Systems? Sunlight is the best disinfectant 41% of all corruption is uncovered by employees need the right to speak out Transparency is recognised as key in fighting corruption need access to information

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za Where are we? Baseline survey

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za Does the SA whistleblowing law work? Based on UK provisions Cap on damages in SA law Amendments needed Justice committee called for investigation onto damages in 2000 Process of amendment stalled

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za New provisions Companies Act proposed amendments Uncapped damages Creation of requirement for whistleblowing policies. Only applies in the private sector

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za Article 32 of Constitution guarantees right of Access to Information Given effect by Promotion of Access to Information Act in 2000 Provides for Access to both public and privately-held information Part of framework that includes: Municipal Systems Act No. 32 of 2000 Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 1999 Municipal Finance Management Act No. 56 of 2003 Promotion of Administrative Justice Act No. 3 of 2000 Batho Pele Principles

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za Lacks enforcement mechanism

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ODAC 2002 www.opendemocracy.org.za Toll free helpline 0800525352

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