Corruption through bribery: A norm in South Africa’s public sector?

Abstract

Corruption continues to be a pandemic. Over centuries, it has managed to evolve in its perpetration, spread worldwide and immerse itself within the daily lives of society. Its ability to evolve and take different forms, has made it impossible to encapsulate into one watertight definition. Despite some sentiments that corruption may be acceptable for economic growth, corruption undermines the rule of law, the equal distribution of resources and services, and weakens the state institutions. No country is immune to corruption. In South Africa, corruption perpetrated through bribery has become a way of life. Bribery in the public sector involves members of a society offering valuable and/or monetary gifts to public officials. The continued prevalence of corruption in South Africa is worsened by both members of society and public officials. Through socio-legal perspective, the paper will examine selected sectors wherein bribery is prevalent. These sectors are selected due to exploitation by public officials or the need for service delivery from public officials. The paper will further delineate the overall effects and available anti-corruption mechanisms in South Africa. Lastly, the paper examines whether corruption, perpetrated through bribery, is a national norm. In its concluding remarks, the paper argues that society and public officials are equal duty bearers in the fight against corruption.