For South Africans worn down by the seemingly never-ending battle against corruption, January also brought some good news. The international software giant SAP has to pay R2.2 billion to South Africa for its involvement in corruption. 

OUTA welcomes a resolution with restitution and reparation payments reached between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and US authorities with software giant SAP and its South African subsidiary, Systems Applications Products (SA).

Wayne Duvenage deems SAP's involvement in corruption in South Africa, particularly with the Guptas between 2013 and 2017, as "despicable." SAP will pay over $220 million, with up to $55.1 million directed to South Africa. The NPA outlines that SAP's total payment to South Africa will be R2.2 billion, comprising R1.489 billion in restitution and R750 million in punitive reparations, contributing to the government's Criminal Assets Recovery Account.

However, we would still like to see accountability of individuals involved, urging prosecution and imprisonment. We would also like to see that the R750 million be allocated to support the NPA in prosecuting state capture cases. Read more on this here.