Corruption in South Africa: an ongoing challenge to good governance

Abstract

The article seeks to examine the phenomenon of corruption within the specific context of South Africa. The primary inquiry posed in the study is, 'What are the instances and underlying factors contributing to corruption in South Africa?' Corruption arises from a multitude of factors, including avarice, the pursuit of authority, and the dynamics of elite networking, among others. The presence of these factors within the nation fosters an atmosphere of impropriety at both the political and bureaucratic tiers of governance. The nation has instituted a range of anti-corruption bodies and strategies; however, the existing gaps in implementation pose significant obstacles to the effective realisation of these initiatives, thereby hindering efforts to combat or mitigate the prevalence of corruption. The research adopts a qualitative methodology and employs desktop analysis to gather information. The information was obtained through a thorough examination of existing literature and document analyses. The information underwent evaluation through conceptual and documentary content analysis. The findings indicate that cultural and normative frameworks that undermine democracy and the Bill of Rights are perpetuated by corruption. The ethical frameworks that dictate institutional ethics stand in contrast to the principles of public administration. The populace may experience a decline in trust towards governmental institutions and their operations due to the capacity to question the integrity of their elected officials. The article culminates in a proposal for the establishment of codes, strategies, and a culture governed by ethical principles, aimed at fostering ethical values among both employees and employers. It is of paramount significance that individuals embrace personal responsibility and accountability to engage ethically within the workplace, thereby contributing to the overarching organisational culture and values. This research enhances the understanding of public governance, human resource management, organisational development, and leadership studies.

Keywords: {'name': 'Corruption, ethics, good governance, misconduct, qualitative approach, South Africa'}

Authors & affiliations

Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad
Affiliation not supplied

Deposited references

Supplied references, not a list of publications citing this article.

Accram, A. (2020). Number of corruption cases in SA increase to 1995. Corruption Watch. Available at: Official SABC News - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader (November 12, 2022).

BBC News. (2021). Jacob Zuma corruption trial: What are the charges? Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57015416 (April 23, 2023).

DOI: 10.34190/ecrm.22.1.1684

DOI: 10.3316/QRJ0902027

DOI: 10.1162/daed_a_00509

Colorado State University. (1993). Content analysis. Available at: https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=61 (June 25, 2020).

DOI: 10.1023/A:1019802614530

Corruption Watch. (2020). Annual report 2020: From crisis to action. Available at: Corruption-Watch-Annual-Report-2020-DBL-Pages-RGB-Agent-Orange-Design-20210520 (corruptionwatch.org.za) (June 21, 2022).

Corruption Watch. (2023). What is corruption - We are all affected. Available at: https://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/learn-about-corruption/what-is-corruption/we-are-all-affected/ (September 3, 2023).

DOI: 10.1080/17533171.2020.1832805

DOI: 10.4102/td.v14i1.473

DeFranzo, S. (2023). What is the difference between qualitative research and quantitative research? SnapSurveys. Available at: https://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/qualitative-vs-quantitative-research/ (May 22, 2024).

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). (2021). Annual report. Pretoria, Government Printer. Available at: Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) - Annual Report 2020/21 (nationalgovernment.co.za) (March 13, 2022).

DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2018.1522424

Dhlamini, S. (2024). State of corruption causing financial misconduct in the South African public sector. Unpublished MA minor dissertation. Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg.

Dorasamy, N., & Kikasu, E. T. (2023). Analyzing the effects of corruption on people's daily lives in African countries. Resmiliraris, 13(2), 6191-6212. Available at: https://resmilitaris.net/issue-content/analyzing-the-effects-of-corruption-on-people-s-daily-lives-in-african-countries-2020 (August 20, 2024).

Dudovskiy, J. (2021). Literature review: Measures for validity. Available at: https://research-methodology.net/literature-review-measures-for-validity/ (Accessed on 3 July 2021).

Ettang, D. (2023). Exploring the role of civil society in countering organized crime in South Africa. In M. Vieira (Ed.), Global approaches on state fragility and organised crime (pp. 187-208). San Jose: UPEACE Press.

DOI: 10.1080/03056244.2021.1932789

DOI: 10.31920/2516-3132/2023/v7n2a5

DOI: 10.1108/13527600910977346

DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8490073

DOI: 10.1007/s11573-014-0737-1

DOI: 10.1080/14747731.2022.2035054

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9248.2011.00887.x

DOI: 10.18820/24150479/aa49i2.3

DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01415-1

DOI: 10.1007/s10551-013-1878-9

Luo, A. (2019). What is content analysis and how can you use it in your research? Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/content-analysis/ (May 23, 2020).

DOI: 10.1177/0975087818805888

DOI: 10.21272/bel.6(2).78-85.2022

DOI: 10.21272/bel.7(2).9-17.2023

DOI: 10.1515/9781503616776

Martin, M. E., & Solomon, H. (2016). Understanding the phenomenon of "state capture" in South Africa. Southern African Peace and Security, 5(1), 21-35.

Maseko, N. (2023). South Africa's ex-President Jacob Zuma won't return to prison due to overcrowding. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66468047 (September 01, 2023).

Mphendu, U., & Holtzhausen, N. (2016). Successful anti-corruption initiatives in Botswana, Singapore and Georgia: Lessons for South Africa. Administratio Publica, 24(2), 234-251.

Mutie, S. (2023). Debt, extraction and predation. In E. C. Iloh & E. T. Aniche (Eds.), African political economy in the twenty-first century (pp. 341-365). London: The Rowman and Littlefield Publishing Group.

DOI: 10.1177/0095399715623313

DOI: 10.1080/23792949.2018.1440971

Pereira, P. G., Lehmann, S., Roth, A., & Attisso, K. (2012). South Africa anti-corruption architecture. Basel: International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR).

Phiri, P. J. T. (2013). Understanding corruption in Malawi: Sources of corruption and constraints on anti-corruption programmes (1994-2004). Unpublished PhD Thesis. Johannesburg: University of Witswatersrand.

Pillay, P. (2016). Ethics and accountability in South African municipalities. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(2), 115-126. Available at: https://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/58191/Pillay_Ethics_2016.pdf?s (September 12, 2024).

Public Protector South Africa. (2016). State of Capture Report. Available at: https://www.ppoyb.mobi/report-download/state-capture-report.pdf (April 23, 2023).

Public Service Commission (PSC). (2020). Pulse of the Public Service. Available at: https://www.psc.gov.za/newsletters/docs/pulse_newsletter/Pulse_of_the_PSC-Vol_12-20200624.pdf (October 14, 2024).

DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czv047

DOI: 10.4314/ai.v40i3.64396

DOI: 10.1017/S0020818303574045

DOI: 10.25159/0256-8845/3849

Smit, S. (2022). How a telecommunications firm extracted Transnet money for the Guptas. Available at: https://mg.co.za/news/2022-02-03-how-a-telecommunications-firm-extracted-transnet-money-for-the-guptas/ (September 11, 2024).

Smit, C., & van Graan, J. (2020). Corruption in the South African public service: Is the Anti-Corruption Task Team’s multidisciplinary approach to investigating corruption allegedly committed by South African public service officials effective? Available at: https://www.litnet.co.za/corruption-in-the-south-african-public-service-is-the-anti-corruption-task-teams-multidisciplinary-approach-to-investigating-corruption-allegedly-committed-by-south-african-public-service-of/ (May 13, 2022).

South African Government. (2018). Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State. Available at: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201903/Report%20of%20the%20Commission%20of%20Inquiry%20into%20Allegations%20of%20State%20Capture%2C%20Corruption%20and%20Fraud%20in%20the%20Public%20Sector%20including%20Organs%20of%20State.pdf (March 12, 2023).

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039

Sole, S. (2005). The state of corruption and accountability. In J. Daniel, R. Southall, & J. Lutchman (Eds.), State of the Nation: South Africa 2004-2005 (pp. 86-111). Cape Town: HSRC Press.

The Global Economy. (2024). South Africa: Political corruption. Available at: https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/South-Africa/political_corruption_index/ (October 15, 2024).

Thomson, A. (2000). An Introduction to African Politics. London: Routledge.

Transparency International. (2023). Corruption Perceptions Index 2023. Available at: https://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/2023-cpi-sa-continues-downward-trajectory-on-corruption/ (August 23, 2024).

DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2019.1694744

DOI: 10.1080/07399339209516006

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-64897-2_8