Corruption remains a pervasive issue in South Africa

Corruption within various institutions in South Africa, particularly in sectors such as policing, business, education, and public entities, continues to pose a significant and endemic challenge, according to a report released by Corruption Watch on Friday.

In its 13th report titled "Accountable Together," the NGO dedicated to combating corruption highlights that the accountability crisis in South Africa remains deeply entrenched, revealing that it received 546 corruption complaints last year.

The report notes that corruption is particularly severe in the police and business sectors, with mismanagement accounting for 34% of complaints, making it the most common type of corruption recorded in 2024. Following mismanagement are fraud (21%), employment irregularities (16%), extortion (15%), and procurement irregularities (13%).

Moira Campbell, head of Corruption Watch, stated that corruption has evolved from a state capture model, where ministries and institutions were under control, to a scenario where certain sectors are dominated by criminal organizations. She emphasized that these figures reflect the government's inability to tackle challenges related to law enforcement, security, and access to education.

Campbell asserts that the persistent lack of accountability regarding corruption in South Africa contributes significantly to public perception. As long as corrupt individuals continue their wrongdoing, regardless of the innovative anti-corruption measures introduced, the notion that corruption is tolerated will exert a considerable influence, she noted.

The report further emphasizes that systemic corruption continues to undermine service delivery and erode trust in South African institutions. It points out that the country’s Corruption Perceptions Index score, which stands at 41 according to Transparency International, reflects the government's ineffectiveness in addressing the issue.

"The index, which has remained unchanged despite numerous commissions, investigations, and promises from high-ranking government officials, shows that plans without action are merely ideas and rhetoric devoid of substance," the organization stated.

Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi previously acknowledged that corruption is not only a threat to the democratic structure and future of South Africa but also represents an administrative failure and an act of cruelty towards South Africans.

"South Africa has been devastated by the impact of corruption, manifesting as governance deficits and constituting a betrayal of the nation by a malevolent alliance of those we once trusted to be our leaders," Buthelezi declared during a two-day national dialogue on corruption.