By: Nneka Akwu
The term “corruption” is used quite widely and is the act of abusing power by those in authority in a bid to gain personal benefit. This involves dishonorable conduct and criminal practices such as bribery, stealing, cronyism, deceiving, and the rest. Corruption may take place at different levels ranging from low-level corruption to high level corruption covering the entire government sectors. In South Africa, bureaucracy and political culture which originated in the Apartheid era has rendered corruption issues hard to trace and tackle. Also, during the tenure of Jacob Zuma, there was a rise in corruption rate under the new leadership. However, South Africa is trying to tackle corruption in all its forms through various means to further strengthen anti-corruption framework. The new amendment, “Section 34(A) of South Africa’s Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PCCAA)” in April 2024, is a key part of the country’s legal framework aimed at curbing corruption. This provision specifically deals with the duty to report corrupt transactions. This ground breaking addition extends the battle against corruption into new territory, that is, private sector and state-owned entities. The anti-corruption projects that focus on enforcing this section often aim to promote accountability and transparency in both government and corporate sectors.
However, implementation of this section has not been effective due to lack of public trust in law enforcement agencies leading to discouragement in reporting corruption cases. In addition, there are concerns that authorities do not pursue corruption cases to the grass root, particularly when high-level officials are involved. Other measures, such as, public campaigns, investigations, and reforms have also been initiated but there has not being desired results and meaningful progress.
Factors hindering results of Anti-Corruption messaging in South Africa
Below are some of the factors hindering desired results of Anti-Corruption messaging in South Africa:
Deep-rooted Corruption Networks
Corruption is deeply entrenched in various sectors, including government, state-owned enterprises, and private businesses. The powerful individuals and networks benefiting from corruption often resist meaningful reforms. These groups can undermine investigations and block accountability efforts, making it difficult for anti-corruption campaigns to gain traction.
Weak Law Enforcement
Although South Africa has institutions like the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), they often lack the capacity, independence, or political will to effectively tackle corruption. These agencies face resource constraints, political interference, and sometimes internal corruption, which weaken their ability to enforce anti-corruption measures.
Political Interference and Freedom
There is often a lack of accountability at higher political levels, with senior officials and politicians perceived as being above the law. High-profile corruption cases, such as those involving former President Jacob Zuma, illustrate how politically connected individuals often avoid meaningful consequences for their actions. This impunity fosters a culture where corruption is normalized and erodes trust in the justice system.
Slow Judicial Processes
Even when corruption cases are brought to court, the judicial process in South Africa is often slow and cumbersome. Cases can drag on for years without resolution, which not only weakens the impact of anti-corruption messaging but also leads to public fatigue and cynicism.
Public Cynicism and Disillusionment
Years of high-profile scandals, such as the Gupta family’s influence over state institutions during the “State Capture” era, have caused widespread public disillusionment. People may no longer believe that anti-corruption messaging will lead to real change, particularly when they see powerful figures avoiding accountability. This cynicism undermines the credibility of anti-corruption efforts and makes it harder to engage the public.
Unemployment and Poverty
South Africa’s high levels of unemployment, poverty, and inequality create a fertile environment for corruption. In desperate situations, people may feel justified in engaging in corrupt practices to survive. At the same time, corrupt officials exploit these vulnerabilities, offering patronage and bribes to secure loyalty and votes, particularly in rural areas. Anti-corruption messaging often fails to resonate with the economically marginalized, who may view it as disconnected from their day-to-day struggles.
Inconsistent Messaging and Political Will
While anti-corruption is often a part of political discourse, the inconsistency between rhetoric and action has weakened its effectiveness. Political leaders may make grand statements about fighting corruption, but without consistent follow up, these messages appear hollow. This inconsistency erodes public trust and allows corruption to persist.
Limited Civic Engagement
Anti-corruption campaigns often rely on top-down approaches, focusing on legal reforms or media campaigns, but fail to fully engage the broader public in grassroots efforts. Civil society organizations play a vital role in anti-corruption movements, but without widespread civic participation, messaging alone cannot create sustained pressure for change.
What is the way out?
To make anti-corruption messaging in South Africa yield the desired results, a multi-pronged approach is needed that tackles not just communication but also the underlying issues of trust, enforcement, and public participation. Here are several key strategies that can improve the effectiveness of anti-corruption messaging:
Tailored Messaging to Different Audiences
Different segments of society are affected by and engage with corruption in different ways. Anti-corruption messaging should be adapted to resonate with specific groups:
Leverage Popular Media and Social Media
Incentivize Whistleblowing and Reporting
Education and Civic Engagement
In conclusion, for anti-corruption messaging to be more effective in South Africa, it needs to be backed by robust institutions, political will, and accountability mechanisms. Rebuilding public trust through consistent enforcement of the law, reducing inequality, and empowering civil society to hold leaders accountable could help shift the tide against corruption. Also, effective implementation requires cooperation between the public sector, private sector, and civil society to build a culture of accountability and ensure that corrupt activities are reported and dealt with appropriately. Addressing these systemic issues is critical to ensure that messaging translates into meaningful results.
Dr Nneka Akwu is researcher and writes in her own capacity.