Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption remains a serious global challenge. The index ranks 182 countries based on perceived levels of public-sector corruption. South Africa scored 41 in the latest report, unchanged from 2024 and still below the global average, highlighting ongoing concerns about accountability and governance.
Campaign Coordinator at Corruption Watch, Mzwandile Banjathwa, says South Africa’s stagnant performance is worrying. “We are stuck and seem to be dropping in terms of our ranking. We were in the 70s about five years ago, but we have now dropped to 81. Even though our score has remained the same, our ranking has declined, which is a major concern,” he said.
Banjathwa noted that while government has introduced several anti-corruption interventions, these have not translated into improved outcomes. “Many people may think these measures are enough to push us up a notch, but without sufficient prosecution following the investigations that have been conducted, we continue to linger in the same position,” he said.
Corruption Watch says meaningful progress will require decisive action, particularly the successful prosecution of corruption cases, to restore public trust and improve South Africa’s standing globally.
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