The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has warned that a culture of zero tolerance for corruption is vital for a just and equitable South Africa, citing its new research showing how widespread and “normalised” corrupt practices have become.
According to HSRC researcher Steven Gordon, a significant portion of South Africans surveyed say corruption is part of their daily environment.
“Living in communities with such corruption is said to be a very common occurrence,” he explained. “This represents a stark indictment of local governance in South Africa and illustrates how economically disadvantaged citizens are disproportionately affected by public corruption.”
The study found that adults frequently encounter or hear of bribery, nepotism and even sexual extortion involving local officials. Poorer communities were far more likely to report these experiences, highlighting how corruption compounds inequality.
Within workplaces, the findings suggest that many South Africans operate in what the HSRC terms “toxic occupational cultures”, where bending the rules, favouritism and bribery are perceived as common. Public sector workers reported higher levels of such behaviour than those in the private sector.
The research also explored public willingness to report corruption. While the number of South Africans who say they would report wrongdoing has increased, many still distrust authorities. Respondents cited weak law enforcement, poor protection for whistleblowers and a belief that corrupt officials rarely face consequences.
The HSRC warns that this “culture of impunity” undermines anti-corruption efforts, while entrenched “codes of silence” and reluctance to report friends, family, or colleagues further entrench unethical behaviour.
As the country marks International Anti-Corruption Day, the HSRC says meaningful progress will require stronger whistleblower protections, visible enforcement, and targeted interventions in economically vulnerable communities.
VOC News
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