Who we are
The Progress Report is a platform dedicated to providing clear, factual reporting on South Africa’s ongoing fight against corruption. We focus on two key institutions: the Special Tribunal and the Specialised Commercial Crimes Courts (SCCCs), highlighting their victories and challenges as they work to deliver justice and restore public trust.
As a project of the Democratic Governance and Rights Unit (DGRU) at the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Law, we are committed to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
Our mission
To shine a light on the efforts of the Special Tribunal and SCCCs in tackling corruption by:
- Showcasing their successes in recovering stolen funds and prosecuting financial crimes.
- Identifying and communicating the challenges they face in fulfilling their mandate.
- Advocating for the reforms and resources these institutions need to operate effectively.
We aim to rebuild public confidence in the justice system by celebrating real progress while driving support for necessary reforms.
Why our work matters
Corruption is a persistent problem in South Africa, and public confidence in the government’s ability to address it continues to decline. According to the latest Afrobarometer survey, 82% of South Africans believe that corruption has worsened in the past year, and only 10% feel the government is doing enough to combat it.
However, institutions like the Special Tribunal and SCCCs are working hard behind the scenes to deliver justice, and it’s essential that these efforts are brought to light.
The Progress Report is dedicated to highlighting the real progress these institutions are making. By providing transparent, fact-based reporting, we hope to showcase their successes and the urgent need for continued support and reform.
What we do
Case Monitoring and Reporting
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- Track and share updates on high-profile corruption cases.
- Provide in-depth analysis of judgments and their implications.
Advocacy and Awareness
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- Highlight the challenges these institutions face, including resource constraints and leadership gaps.
- Advocate for reforms such as elevating the Special Tribunal to a Specialist High Court.
Public Education
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- Break down legal jargon to make corruption cases accessible to all South Africans.
- Use facts, statistics, and real-world examples to engage and inform the public.
Thank you to our funders
We extend our gratitude to FCDO for their support in making the Progress Report possible, helping to track corruption cases and promote accountability in South Africa.

