But while we acknowledge these grim realities, let me be clear: this is not the space to dwell on despair. OUTA exists to challenge the decline and tackle the injustices robbing our country of its potential. This newsletter, our first of 2025, is not about raising false hope or promising that 2025 will be the year all our problems miraculously disappear. 

Instead, it’s about reaffirming our commitment to you, our supporters, and our shared cause. It’s about acknowledging our challenges with honesty while also drawing on the remarkable resilience that defines us as a nation.

A GRIM REALITY: CORRUPTION AND CRIME ON THE RISE

Corruption continues to tighten its grip on South Africa. Despite government’s assurances that the fight against corruption is a priority, the evidence suggests otherwise. Syndicates operate with impunity, hollowing out state resources and enriching a select few while the majority of our people are left behind. Unemployment and poverty persist, exacerbated by the looting of resources meant for economic growth and social upliftment.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in our cities. 

Johannesburg, our largest economic hub, is a shadow of its former self. What was once the heartbeat of Africa’s economy is now a city on its knees, brought down by gross mismanagement, brazen conflicts of interest, theft by people in positions of power, and a lack of accountability. Those entrusted with safeguarding this city’s future have instead chosen to line their pockets, leaving its residents and businesses to suffer. 

The problem is not ignorance—our leaders know what needs to be done. The President knows, his cabinet members know, and the provincial premiers know. 

Yet, we see little action and declining political will. Promises have become a chorus we’ve heard too often, and South Africans are weary. This year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) by the President will again be stuffed with hollow claims and repeated promises, unreflective of our country's true state. The disbelief by the wider public will be palpable.

RESILIENCE WEARING THIN

Despite our reputation as a resilient nation, there is no denying that this resilience is wearing thin. How much longer can we shoulder the weight of failing governance, rampant corruption, and unchecked crime? Hope alone is not enough to sustain a nation, and we can no longer afford to wait for change to come.

The 2026 local government elections are around the corner, but they are too far away to wait or do nothing. By then, we risk even deeper decay if the status quo remains. We cannot wait to elect new leaders while the current ones erode what little remains. 

The time for heightened action by civil society is now.

OUTA’S COMMITMENT: TURNING THE TIDE TOGETHER

At OUTA, we know real change will not come from empty promises or wishful thinking. Change requires action, and action requires pressure. This is where we step in – and where your support remains invaluable.

Through our litigation, research, and advocacy efforts, OUTA continues to hold those in power accountable where we can, based on evidence and within our limited resources. We will continue to challenge misconduct, maladministration, and corruption in courtrooms, expose malfeasance in government departments, and expose inefficiency and mismanagement wherever we find it.

But we cannot do it alone. The fight against corruption is not OUTA’s fight or that of collective civil action organisations. It is South Africa’s fight. Every citizen, every business, and every community has a role to play. We have proven that we can achieve meaningful change when we unite and apply enough pressure.

In the past we have witnessed successful efforts of citizen power. Through civil action, public outcry, and defiance against irrational policies, we brought an end to the e-toll scam, we forced concessions, halted an unnecessary State of Disaster on Electricity, and stopped the government from signing a financially crippling contract to deploy Karpowerships. 

Together, we brought accountability to bear on some who thought they were untouchable. These victories, while incremental, remind us of what is possible when we stand together.