Corruption
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, encompassing bribery, embezzlement, fraud, extortion, nepotism and other forms of dishonest or unethical conduct by public officials, corporate executives or other individuals in positions of authority. It undermines economic development, distorts markets, erodes public trust in institutions and diverts resources away from essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. In the African context, corruption has been identified as a major impediment to sustainable growth, particularly in resource-rich economies where extractive industries and large-scale public procurement create opportunities for rent-seeking behaviour. Transparency International and similar organisations track corruption through indices such as the Corruption Perceptions Index, which ranks countries by perceived levels of public-sector corruption. Anti-corruption frameworks include domestic legislation, independent oversight bodies such as anti-corruption commissions, and international initiatives including the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Effective anti-corruption measures require political will, judicial independence, media freedom and active civil-society engagement. The economic cost of corruption in Africa is estimated to run into tens of billions of dollars annually, affecting foreign direct investment, tax revenues and the efficient allocation of public funds. Efforts to combat corruption have intensified across the continent, with varying degrees of success depending on the strength of institutions and the commitment of political leadership. Corruption remains a recurring theme in African business and political coverage, reflecting its pervasive impact on governance, economic performance and social equity.
Corruption Updates
Evolve Madlanga Commission into permanent national police integrity tribunal
14th August 2026 The Madlanga Commission model combining investigators, lawyers, powers to subpoena, televised proceedings and accelerated prosecutions, should be... →
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act: Further amendment of Proclamation No. R. 3618 of 2023, as amended by Proclamation No. 216 of 2024 - Chris Hani District Municipality (English/Afrikaans)
14th August 2026 Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act: Further amendment of Proclamation No. R. 3618 of 2023, as amended by Proclamation No. 216 of... →
Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka calls for sexual extortion to be criminalised
13th August 2026 Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka on Wednesday called for the perpetrators of “sextortion” to be charged with corruption, arguing that such... →
DA assists Minister Kubayi in her search for reasons to support our Scorpions 2.0 Bill
13th August 2026 Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi stated at the Black Business Council Annual Summit on 12 August 2026 that "if... →
Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption trial postponed as she seeks discharge 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 13th August 2026 The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday postponed the high-profile corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker... →
DA reveals 88 Ekurhuleni Metro Police officer cases of criminal bribery, but just 8 dismissals
13th August 2026 The DA can reveal that Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officers face 88 cases of corruption and bribery, in just the last five years, but only 8... →
Six SIU probes amid political frictions show NCape needs rescuing
12th August 2026 The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape views the authorisation of six separate investigations by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) in just... →
Daily Podcast – August 06, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 6th August 2026 Making headlines: Madlanga report recommends suspension of Shadrack Sibiya and others; DA files no confidence motion against Tshwane speaker; And,... →
Madlanga report recommends suspension of Shadrack Sibiya, others
By: Thabi Shomolekae 6th August 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the extensive recommendations and referrals detailed in the Second Interim Report of the Judicial Commission of... →
ActionSA introduces Blacklist Corrupt Suppliers Bill to give South Africa's debarment regime real teeth
5th August 2026 ActionSA has today introduced the Blacklist Corrupt Suppliers Bill, a Private Member's Bill that seeks to close one of the most significant... →
