Corruption

When talking about Corruption, the abuse of power for personal gain, often through bribery, embezzlement or fraud. Also known as malfeasance, it erodes public trust and hampers economic growth. In South Africa and across the continent, stories of misused funds, rigged contracts and shadowy dealings surface daily. Understanding the mechanics behind these scandals helps readers spot warning signs and support reforms.

Why Understanding Corruption Matters

Effective Governance, the set of rules, institutions and practices that guide public decision‑making. provides the framework to curb corruption. When Transparency, open access to information about government actions and finances. is strong, citizens can verify where money goes, making it harder for illicit actors to hide. Likewise, Accountability, the obligation of officials to answer for their actions. creates consequences for wrongdoing. These three pillars form a chain: Transparency reduces corruption; accountability enforces transparency; good governance sustains both. Each element influences the next, creating a self‑reinforcing system that can either protect society or, if weak, enable corruption.

Recent headlines illustrate the pattern. In Cape Town, NSFAS workers staged a picket, accusing management of mismanagement and corruption that delayed student funding. In Nigeria, the voter‑registration portal launch highlighted how weak oversight can fuel vote‑buying schemes. Across the continent, illegal real‑estate projects in Lagos and compromised passport rankings in Cameroon show how corruption seeps into urban planning and diplomatic services. All these cases share the same semantic triple: Corruption undermines good governance, which in turn weakens public confidence. Recognising this link helps activists, journalists and policymakers target the right levers for change.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive deeper into specific scandals, policy responses and anti‑corruption initiatives. Whether you’re tracking a labor dispute, a voting‑system overhaul or a cross‑border fraud case, this roundup gives you the context you need to stay informed and act wisely. Let’s explore how each story fits into the broader fight against corruption in Africa.