The woman fighting corruption and holding South Africa’s government accountable

Stefanie Fick is a true South African patriot. After fighting for justice at the National Prosecuting Authority for many years, she joined the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) to continue the fight.

Fick started her career in the Department of Justice at the age of 17 while pursuing her degree in law.

She completed B Iuris and LLB qualifications at the University of South Africa before joining the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in January 1996.

She served as state prosecutor at the NPA for a decade before advancing to senior state advocate in 2006.

She worked as a senior state advocate for six years before joining the Johannesburg Bar as an advocate, focusing on criminal and family law.

Advocate Fick joined the OUTA in February 2016 as Head of Legal, continuing the fight for justice.

A year later, she took up the role of executive director of the accountability division at the civil society organisation.

“When I left the National Prosecuting Authority, after many years of service, I knew I wasn’t done fighting for justice,” she said.

“I joined OUTA because I wanted to be part of something bold. It isn’t afraid to hold power to account and believes in building a South Africa where integrity matters.”

She said at OUTA, she found a space to continue using the law as a tool for change, without fear or favour.

“Here, we don’t just talk about change, we drive it, litigate for it, and sometimes even embarrass it into existence. We do it because South Africans deserve better,” she said.

She explained that holding power to account through the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse isn’t just a job. It is her purpose.

This is because trust in South Africa’s public institutions is eroding, and those in power often forget that power is a responsibility, not a perk.

“When corruption becomes normalised, accountability must become relentless. We cannot, and must not, accept this as the norm,” she said.

“Through litigation, advocacy and public engagement, OUTA plays a crucial role in rebuilding a culture of accountability.”

Dudu Myeni, Karpowership, and e-tolls

Fick explained that one of the defining cases for her was the delinquency judgment against former SAA chairperson, Dudu Myeni.

“That ruling didn’t just hold her personally accountable. It was a powerful moment for South Africa’s jurisprudence,” she said.

“It confirmed that directors who breach their duties can, and will, be removed from positions of power.”

“It was a landmark ruling that set a new precedent in our corporate governance landscape and reaffirmed the principle that directorship is not a right, but a duty of care.”

The Karpowership saga was another big win. “Imagine being locked into a 20-year energy deal costing the country hundreds of billions, all while claiming it’s an emergency solution,” she said.

“OUTA challenged this deal legally and publicly, not because we’re against innovation, but because we’re allergic to bad deals dressed up as solutions.”

“Our persistence contributed to increased public scrutiny and the end of the deal, showing once again how vital watchdogs are in our democracy.”

OUTA’s proudest moment was its role in stopping the controversial and hated e-toll system in Gauteng.

“That campaign went beyond resisting an unjust tax. It was about fairness, transparency, and public participation,” she said.

“It showed what South Africa’s civil society can achieve when we stand together and refuse to be silenced.”

OUTA has also stood firm on municipal maladministration, inflated fuel levies, and many other issues where citizens were being short-changed.