South Africa is a corrupt country. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), South Africa has a CPI of 44/100.Meaning that the South African government is failing dismally to address corruption within the public sector while the private sector is also not an innocent party.
Corruption manifests itself in many ways. If it is not the looting of state coffers by government officials, it is traffic cops soliciting bribes. Are we ever going to win the fight against the scourge of corruption?
The years 2020, and 2021 were some of the most turbulent years in South Africa. In 2020, we lost thousands of lives to Covid-19 pandemic. But we also lost millions to corruption.
A total of 4,780 incidents of corruption were reported in 2020, forming part of the just under 33,000 reports of corruption received by Corruption Watch.
In one instance, personal protective equipment (PPE) was bought five times more than the normal price according to the auditor general.
A report by the Special Investigating Unit, released by President Cyril Ramaphosa, also found wrongdoing by former health minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize and others.
According to the report, Mkhize interfered in the procurement process to have a COVID-19 communications contract awarded to close associates.
Here are some of the solutions government should consider implementing:
• Government has to develop sustainable partnerships with stakeholders to reduce corruption. This will reignite citizen involvement to shame and conquer corruption. Society’s sense of responsibility and ownership should be a strong driver to foster a culture of integrity.
• Improve transparency – Transparency reduces the likelihood of corrupt behaviour. Those who are involved in corrupt activities can be identified and brought to book. Accountability as a touchstone for legitimate leaders ought to be a prerogative. Otherwise, winning the war against corruption will be impossible.
• Transform the private and public sector risk equation. There is a set of procedures and requirements that the government and private sector use to detect, assess, and mitigate corruption risks within an organisation.
The current risk management system used by organisations doesn’t seem to deter corruption.
