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
DA launches online portal to report dodgy tenders
14th October 2026 Today, the DA launched a new whistle blower portal where members of the public can submit information about corrupt, fraudulent and suspicious... →
DA demands investigation into Tshwane’s water tanker mafia
13th October 2026 Today, the DA picketed outside the Gauteng Premier’s office to protest against the water mafia in Tshwane. We have submitted a formal request to... →
Former Home Affairs officials arrested for issuing fraudulent passports to non-nationals 
By: Creamer Media Reporter 12th October 2026 Two former Home Affairs officials have been arrested for fraudulently issuing South African passports to foreign nationals for up to R100 000 each.... →
South Africa need not wait for corruption convictions
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 12th October 2026 The country has several powerful tools to prevent corruption before more damage is done. Why aren’t they being used? For many South Africans,... →
Daily Podcast – October 06, 2026
6th October 2026 Making headlines: Voters urged to ‘rescue’ Joburg from ‘corrupt crime-council ecosystem' Ramaphosa punts campaign to plant 1bn trees over 5 years... →
Voters urged to ‘rescue’ Joburg from ‘corrupt crime-council ecosystem'
By: Thabi Shomolekae 6th October 2026 Voters must use the upcoming local government elections to rescue Johannesburg from a “devastating crime-council ecosystem" that thrives on the... →
Time for Action – Corruption in Joburg
6th October 2026 Johannesburg’s decline has been exacerbated by corruption that robs the city of the resources needed to maintain and expand infrastructure. Worse,... →
NGO critiques local govt failures ahead of elections, launches voter tool
By: Thabi Shomolekae 5th October 2026 As South Africa approaches its local government elections, non-governmental organisation My Vote Counts has launched a scathing critique of... →
Special Investigating Unit welcomes arrest of former Rural Development and Land Reform official
1st October 2026 The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the arrest of a 50 -year-old former Deputy Director of Finance at the Department of Rural Development... →
South Africa’s public service: new laws aim to put competent people in charge and hold them to account
1st October 2026 South Africa has been on a decades-long journey of reforming its public service. But serious problems persist. In September 2026 the urgency for... →
