Corruption Watch: Battle against graft in SA needs high-profile prosecutions

Transparency International released its latest report on Tuesday morning, painting a bleak picture for South Africa.

The country dropped below the global average, losing a further two points since last year on the leading global index measuring perceptions of public sector corruption around the world.

South Africa scored an average of 41.

This represents a decline from the previous low of 42 in 2013 and two points below its maiden score of 43 in 2012.

The country is one of 23 countries that reached their lowest-ever scores this year, placing it into the category of flawed democracies.

The CPI scores 180 countries and territories around the world by their perceived levels of public-sector corruption, according to experts and business people.

Corruption Watch’s Janine Erasmus says the report is meant to help governments tackle corruption, promote justice and strengthen the rule of law.

Erasmus says implementing the recommendations of the commission of inquiry into state capture would be a good place to start

"We have seen many recommendations coming out of the Zondo Commission, and as an organisation, we believe those recommendations need to be implemented. They make a lot of sense in the context of fighting crime. 

"If we take a look at other African countries that have improved on the CPI, such as Angola, we see that high-ranking officials have been investigated and prosecuted, and an anti-corruption plan has been implemented.” 

Erasmus said the lack of consequences for those found to be corrupt remains an issue.

"As it is, there is no deterrent. There is impunity for people. They know they can carry on with their corrupt activities without having to answer for them. So we need more high-profile suspensions and prosecutions at the highest levels of government, cabinet-level if not higher.

"People cannot just carry on looting the country without having to answer for it.”

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