As we entered 2025, OUTA undertook a far more rigorous strategy review than in previous years. Coming out of a demanding 2024 - stretched for time and resources - it became clear that a recalibration was necessary to sharpen our focus and strengthen our impact.
 
In recent years, we launched several new initiatives that, while well-intentioned and meaningful, sat slightly outside our core mission: challenging corruption, maladministration, and government inefficiency.

These included our work in community empowerment and engagement efforts, particularly in water quality and infrastructure monitoring. Notable examples include the WaterCAN initiative, the Link App for municipal infrastructure reporting, and our Community Action Networks (CAN and JoburgCAN), which foster civic activism at the local level.

While each of these efforts has delivered important results, they also demanded considerable time, attention and resources—at times, pulling our focus from our central mandate of holding power to account and ensuring public funds are used wisely and transparently.

Since launching WaterCAN in 2022 under the leadership of Dr Ferrial Adam, the initiative has grown into a respected and recognised brand. Recognising that WaterCAN needs more autonomy and dedicated resources to thrive, we have committed to supporting its transition into a standalone non-profit company. OUTA will continue providing financial and administrative support until April 2026 to ensure its sustainability and future growth.

 

We’re taking a similar approach with our Community Action Network (CAN). We are currently re-evaluating the structure and future of JoburgCAN. Already a dynamic and effective civic platform that’s built strong networks among local community groups focused on holding the Johannesburg City Council accountable. For JoburgCAN to reach its full potential, it too will require its own structure and dedicated resources, and we’re engaging with potential partners to make this happen. 

Internally, these shifts have also led us to restructure our Accountability and Communications teams to boost efficiency and focus. This unfortunately meant reducing our staff complement, including the departure of some exceptional and long-serving colleagues - a very difficult but necessary decision.

Looking ahead, OUTA is now leaner, more focused, and better positioned to do what it does best: serve as an effective civil society watchdog. Our mission remains clear - challenge corruption, maladministration, and wasteful or irrational government policies that undermine the interests of South Africans.