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
Nov polls 'critical turning point' to end corruption, service failures – Amnesty International 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 3rd September 2026 Ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 4, Amnesty International South Africa is calling on voters to cast their... →
Lesufi fails to hold corrupt officials accountable while claiming to uphold the rule of law
3rd September 2026 The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), under Premier Panyaza Lesufi, claims to be committed to the rule of law and due process; however, it fails... →
Dismissal of Feroz Khan must be the first of many
3rd September 2026 The dismissal of Major General Feroz Khan from the South African Police Service must be the first of many, until all of the crooked cops are... →
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi congratulates Mr Leonard Lekgetho on his appointment as Head of the SIU
2nd September 2026 The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi, congratulates Mr. Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho, following his... →
NSFAS Board Statement on Labour Court judgement against former senior official of University of Johannesburg
2nd September 2026 The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) welcomes the labour court judgement ordering a former senior official of the University of... →
ActionSA refers eThekwini City Manager to NPA Over Phoenix Housing Corruption
1st September 2026 ActionSA has today taken eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele to the National Prosecuting Authority, submitting a Section 27 affidavit to the... →
President Ramaphosa appoints new head of SIU
1st September 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with effect from tomorrow,... →
DA governments will make your money go further
31st August 2026 South Africans do not need an economist to tell us the cost of living is rising. South Africans experience how well the economy is doing at the... →
Lesufi’s failure to blacklist corruption-accused officials allows their reappointment to other government positions
31st August 2026 Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s failure to act against officials implicated in corruption and pending investigations has allowed them to walk free... →
Dlamini-Zuma, Mbalula go head to head in court over vote-buying claims
By: Thabi Shomolekae 27th August 2026 ANC National Executive Committee member Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced she stands firmly by the substance of her concerns regarding financial... →
