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
Dlamini-Zuma, Mbalula go head to head in court over vote-buying claims 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 27th August 2026 ANC National Executive Committee member Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced she stands firmly by the substance of her concerns regarding financial... →
DA’s Rasilingwane pledges whistleblower unit to 'crush corruption' in Ekurhuleni
By: Thabi Shomolekae 27th August 2026 DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane has committed to establishing a dedicated, independent whistleblower protection unit... →
DA Ekurhuleni will crush corruption with new whistleblower unit
27th August 2026 Today, I stood outside the Ekurhuleni Council Chambers with hundreds of DA activists, councillors and residents who are tired of watching... →
IDAC’s failures demand reform, not abolition
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 26th August 2026 South Africa needs IDAC’s specialist anti-corruption capability, but the institution must be repaired and strengthened. Madlanga Commission... →
ANC 2026 Local Government Manifesto
24th August 2026 In our 2021 Local Government Elections Manifesto, as we emerged from the shadow of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the ANC committed to doing and... →
Transnet taking action on procurement irregularity whistleblower report
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 21st August 2026 State-owned freight transport and logistics company Transnet says it is responding firmly to allegations of procurement irregularities at the... →
DA calls on Minister Kubayi to appoint acting IDAC head
20th August 2026 Finding a permanent replacement for Andrea Johnson's position as head of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) falls on the... →
AfriForum welcomes dismissal of Mpumalanga Education official due to computer case
19th August 2026 AfriForum welcomes the news that the Chief Financial Officer of the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Thokozile Ntuli, has been dismissed... →
Johannesburg Matters: Joburg in Jeopardy
18th August 2026 Johannesburg is the one municipality whose failure would make national success impossible, raising the critical question: if Johannesburg cannot be... →
Correctional Services chairperson calls for urgent investigation into alleged prison bed payments and contraband
18th August 2026 The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, is deeply concerned by allegations that inmates... →
