The latest figures underline the need for tougher action against corruption in government.
South Africa’s score on the Corruption Perception Index has declined dramatically since 2007.
In 2007, South Africa was one of the least corrupt countries, ranking 43 out of 180 countries.
More than 10 years later, South Africa’s position has
slipped to 73 out of 180 countries. The country’s corruption perceptions score
declined from 4.9 to 4.3 during that same period (a drop of 14%).
Corruption Watch notes that, since its inception in 2012, 2018 was the year
with the third highest number of reports (4 200) of corruption. The years 2016,
2017 and 2018, collectively, account for 57% of all reports collected since
2012.
Corruption Watch further states that the largest number of reports received focused on corruption in the education sector (22% of all reports received). Reports on corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS) have increased from 6% in 2017 to 9% in 2018 – the highest percentage of reports received in this sector in 7 years.
This also partially explains a continued decline in the
public’s trust in the police. According
to Stats SA data, 2011 saw 64.2% of households being satisfied with the police.
That figure declined to 57% in 2016/17 and to 54% in 2017/18.
Corruption Watch also notes that the majority of reports on corruption related
to provincial, national and local government departments.
Provincial government departments were the most corrupt, taking a share of 35% of all reports on corruption. National government followed with a share of 27%, while local government accounted for 23%.
The private sector (5%), SOEs (4%) and other areas (6%) rounded off all reports on corruption.
The fact that provincial, national and local governments
are the areas where the most corruption is reported explains a deterioration in
service delivery in recent years.
IRR analysts point out that corruption is one of the main reasons why South
Africa’s economy has been brought to its knees, with state capture having rendered
state-owned enterprises ineffective. Eskom is now South Africa’s biggest
obstacle to maintaining the country’s existing credit rating. The latest
figures, the analysts say, indicate how important it now is for President Cyril
Ramaphosa to act on his promise to root out corruption and ensure the
government works for the people.