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 demands answers from Ekurhuleni City Manager over property and travel allegations
22nd October 2026 The DA in Ekurhuleni is calling for a comprehensive lifestyle audit of City Manager Kagiso Lerutla after allegations circulating on social media... →
‘Better to under-promise, over-deliver’ – ActionSA shifts strategy for local elections 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 22nd October 2026 ActionSA will contest only 42 municipalities nationwide in the upcoming local government elections, marking a deliberate pivot toward tactical... →
RISE Mzansi: Lukhona Mnguni: Address by Joburg mayoral candidate, during the launch of the RISE Mzansi Municipal Plan, Rosebank, Johannesburg (20/10/2026)
21st October 2026 Our people-to-people campaign has been a resounding success since we launched our campaign on 23 May 2026. Even during the ice-cold winter, people... →
MKP: The People’s Mandate 2026 Local Government Election
20th October 2026 The 2026 Local Government Elections give our people an opportunity to restore dignity by restoring our municipalities and rural communities. For... →
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... →
