The Unaccountables: The Powerful Politicians and Corporations Who Profit From Impunity

Corruption and economic crime have harmed millions of South Africans, caused by a small band of individuals, corporations, and institutions known as The Unaccountables. This book, Open Secrets, by a non-profit organization investigating economic crime and human rights abuses, argues for disrupting the status quo and provides evidence of impunity and suggests actions to ensure accountability. It profiles 50 individuals and corporations involved in economic crime and highlights the characters and defining moments that have shaped South African politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd

Corruption and economic crime have caused immense harm to millions of South Africans, resulting in devastating consequences. This devastation is attributed to a small group of individuals, corporations, and institutions known as "The Unaccountables." These individuals have engaged in looting public coffers, undermining public trust, and profiting without facing any consequences. This impunity has created a sense among a politically exhausted public that this is the way "the system works" and that the powerful are granted immunity from accountability.

In their new book, Open Secrets, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating economic crime and human rights abuses, makes a compelling argument for disrupting the status quo. The book is based on extensive research conducted over years, providing a detailed account of some of South Africa's biggest corruption scandals, spanning from apartheid to state capture. Through meticulous profiling, the book brings to light the names and faces of large corporations and private individuals who have been implicated in economic crime but have never been held accountable or received substantive justice.

The book focuses on 50 profiles that provide evidence of impunity and offer suggestions for ensuring accountability in each instance. The eight sections of the book take readers on a journey through tales of muck and abuse of power, detailing the characters and defining moments that have shaped South African politics and may have implications for the future.

Among the individuals profiled in The Unaccountables are apartheid and war profiteers, state capture profiteers, those who have profited from welfare programs, banks and bankers who have engaged in laundering and profiteering, auditors who have been complicit in economic crimes, and, unfortunately, bad cops. The book sheds light on the roles these individuals played in perpetuating corruption and economic crime, and highlights the need for accountability and justice to be served.

The consequences of corruption and economic crime are far-reaching and have had a profound impact on South Africa's society. The country has suffered from a decline in public trust, a weakened economy, and a lack of social cohesion. This has led to increased poverty, unemployment, and inequality, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the burden.

To address this issue, Open Secrets advocates for a comprehensive approach that involves disrupting the status quo. This includes strengthening the rule of law, promoting transparency and accountability, and holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions. It also involves engaging the public in the fight against corruption, through education and awareness campaigns, and empowering communities to hold their leaders accountable.

Furthermore, the book suggests that the international community should play a role in addressing corruption and economic crime in South Africa. This includes supporting local efforts to investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals and organizations, providing technical assistance and financial support, and promoting international standards and norms that promote transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, Corruption and economic crime have caused immense harm to millions of South Africans, resulting in devastating consequences. The Unaccountables have looted public coffers, broken public trust, and profited without consequence. This impunity has created a sense among a politically exhausted public that this is the way "the system works" and that the powerful are granted immunity from accountability. Open Secrets makes a strong argument for disrupting the status quo and promoting accountability and justice. Through meticulous research and profiling, the book brings to light the names and faces of those who have been implicated in economic crime and offers suggestions for ensuring accountability. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that involves strengthening the rule of law, promoting transparency and accountability, and engaging the public in the fight against corruption. The international community should also play a role in addressing this issue, supporting local efforts and promoting international standards and norms that promote transparency and accountability. By working together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous South Africa for all.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 233 x 156 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781431432950