At The Progress Report, we are committed to providing clear, factual reporting on South Africa’s ongoing fight against corruption. By monitoring and reporting on key cases from the Special Tribunal and Specialised Commercial Crimes Courts (SCCCs), we shine a light on victories and challenges in the pursuit of justice. Our mission is to help the public understand how these institutions operate, the outcomes of significant cases, and what it all means for accountability and public trust.
Delivering justice
The fight against corruption is not without challenges, but significant progress has been made. The Special Tribunal and SCCCs have shown resilience and effectiveness in recovering stolen public funds and holding perpetrators accountable.
Why This Matters
- Public funds are being recovered and safeguarded.
- High-profile individuals and corporations are being held accountable.
- The judiciary sends a strong, unequivocal message: corruption will not be tolerated.
These successes are proof that justice is being served, even in complex and high-stakes scenarios.
Key Cases
1. Thabiso Hamilton Ndlovu PPE Fraud Case
- Judgment Debt: R158 850 921.13 awarded.
- Details: During the COVID-19 pandemic, businessman Thabiso Ndlovu exploited procurement processes to secure an inflated R172 million PPE contract. The Special Tribunal’s decisive action ensured that R159 million was repaid to the state.
- Why It Matters: This case set a precedent for swift action against emergency-related procurement fraud.
2. System Applications Products (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd Case
- Judgment Debt: R263 282 173.78 and R81 502 073.62 ordered to be repaid.
- Details: Funds misused through irregular contracts were recovered in this case, demonstrating the Tribunal’s ability to tackle corporate corruption.
- Why It Matters: This victory highlighted the accountability of multinational entities operating within South Africa.
3. ABB and Eskom Corruption Settlement
- Reparations: R2.5 billion punitive settlement in 2023, following R1.56 billion paid to Eskom in 2020.
- Details: ABB faced accountability for bribery and corruption linked to Eskom contracts.
- Why It Matters: The case set a strong precedent for holding global corporations accountable for corrupt practices.
4. Digital Vibes Scandal
- Details: Within weeks of concluding its investigation, the Special Tribunal froze R22 million worth of assets tied to irregular contracts awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Why It Matters: This case exemplifies the Tribunal’s efficiency in securing public funds and acting swiftly against corruption.
By the numbers
- Judgments delivered (2019–2024): 107 by the Special Tribunal.
- Funds recovered: In the 2023/2024 financial year, R2.28 billion recovered. (Learn more)
- Convictions by SCCCs: Over 1,300 corruption-related cases, including 500 involving government officials.
- Frozen assets: R14.18 billion safeguarded by the Special Tribunal.
Critical role of the Special Tribunal and SCCCs
Through its work, the Special Tribunal has proven indispensable to the fight against corruption. By managing cases more efficiently than traditional courts, it ensures that justice is served faster while also setting an example of strict accountability.
Progress in Context
- Efficient case management: The Nkandla scandal, which lingered for years in the High Court, reached trial in the Special Tribunal under Judge Kate Pillay through effective case management.
- COVID-19 response: Between March 2020 and December 2020, the Special Tribunal handled 11 civil lawsuits worth R259 million tied to unlawful contracts for COVID-19 personal protective equipment.