South African Corruption Worse Now Than in Zuma Era, CPI Reveals

South Africa's fight against corruption has been dealt a significant blow according to the latest figures released by Transparency International (TI). In a disheartening revelation, the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) indicates that corruption in South Africa is now more severe than it was during the tenure of former President Jacob Zuma, a period often associated with the term 'state capture'.

The CPI, a global benchmark for public sector corruption, has given South Africa a score of 41 out of a potential 100. This represents the lowest score the nation has received since Corruption Watch (CW), the local chapter of Transparency International, began monitoring the country's progress twelve years ago. South Africa has dipped below its initial rating of 43 in 2012 and is now behind the global average score.

What makes this decline more concerning is that South Africa finds itself among 23 countries that have hit their all-time worst scores this year. Consequently, the nation has slipped into the category of 'flawed democracies.' This downward trajectory into the mires of corruption is not just a number on a scale, but symptomatic of a more significant crisis of governance and public accountability.

According to TI's analysis, a current global trend can be observed where justice systems are being weakened, thereby securing an environment of impunity for corrupt public officials. Despite high-profile inquiries like the Zondo Commission, which laid bare extensive corruption, the outcomes have been lackluster in terms of legal enforcement and bringing the culprits to book. This observation emphasizes the lack of effective deterrents to corrupt practices in South Africa.

Karam Singh, executive director of Corruption Watch, expressed his concern, highlighting the palpable frustration of watching rampant corruption go largely unpunished even when investigative journalism and public inquiries expose it. He pointed out the detrimental impact this has on the country's infrastructure and cities, which have suffered due to continuous malfeasance and neglect.

South Africa's current position places it on par with Burkina Faso and Vietnam, countries that also scored 41, while finding itself just a notch below nations like Cuba, China, and Hungary. This juxtaposition is alarming, especially considering the fundamental differences in political systems and levels of democratic engagement across these nations.

With elections on the horizon, South Africa is at a crucial juncture. The need for leaders who embody integrity and accountability has arguably never been greater. The implications of the CPI score for South Africa's socio-political climate, international relations, and economic stability cannot be overstated. As citizens prepare to make their voices heard at the polls, the clamor for systemic and lasting changes to anti-corruption mechanisms grows louder.

The 2023 CPI serves as a stark reminder to the ruling party and its challengers of the vital importance of governance reform. South Africans are yearning for a government that is transparent, one that actively works to uproot corruption, and is dedicated to ethical leadership. These results show that only through collective efforts can South Africa begin to rebuild its reputation and achieve a meaningful transformation in its political landscape.