1. AFRICAN UNION CONVENTION ON PREVENTING AND COMBATING CORRUPTION

2. Various preparatory and experts’ meetings in Addis Ababa
Introduction
Various preparatory and experts’ meetings in Addis Ababa
Aspects of SADC Protocol against Corruption included
Some key features:
participation of media and civil society
collaboration between Member States
international co-operation

3. Significance for South Africa
Expressed commitment of Government to fight corruption
Good governance principles being promoted throughout this continent
Establishment of a database of anti-corruption Ministers and experts in Africa

4. The Convention Preamble, objectives and principles Article 5:
citizens report corruption without fear of reprisals;
raising public awareness on the fight against corruption
strengthening of internal accounting, audit and follow-up systems.
Article 6 criminalises the laundering of the proceeds of corruption

5. Some cutting edge initiatives
Access to information (Articles 9)
Funding of political parties (Article 10)
Participation by private sector in fight against unfair competition, respect of the tender procedures and property rights(Article 11)

6. Other stakeholders
Enabling environment for civil society and the media
Civil society to participate in implementation and monitoring of convention.
Media access to information in cases of corruption
Bank secrecy should not be obstacle to investigation and prosecution

7. Reservations Article 13(1)(d): broader jurisdiction
Article 15(2): no blanket extradition
Article 21: relationship with other agreements
Article 25(3): amendments

8. Conclusion Article 20: Designation of National Authority
Political will to change continental approach to combating and preventing corruption
Globalisation: increased interdependence and range of cross-border pullovers