State Capture is corruption of a special type, which involves powerful private individuals or even organisations which exert undue, illegitimate and outright criminal influence on the state for their private benefit.

Whilst the notion is largely linked to developing nations in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America, there is evidence of State Capture in Europe and in the United States.

Essay by Pule Selepe. He is the author of the book Measure of Man. He is a thinker, analyst and a commentator in the areas of change, governance, leadership, policy and strategy. Pule holds a Masters in Management in the area of Public and Development Management. He has extensive senior management experience in both the public and private sectors.