Continual struggle to minimise persisting accounts of corruption and financial misconduct in South Africa

Abstract

Corruption is a pandemic that gradually undermines governmental structures and has precipitated the downfall of numerous governments. This article stems from a research inquiry: What is the magnitude of financial malfeasance within the South African public sector? The study aimed to investigate instances of financial malfeasance inside a certain state-owned enterprise. The qualitative research approach involved a desktop examination of existing literature and official records from government departments and public entities to assemble and assess the data. The research examined the extent and underlying causes of financial misconduct and corruption through an exploratory design. An examination of official records verifies the existence of multiple anti-corruption statutes currently enforced in South Africa, including the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PCCA), Public Audit Act (PAA), Public Service Commission Act (PSCA), Special Investigating Unit and Special Tribunal Act, Municipal Finance Management Act of 2003, and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). These Acts are designed to mitigate and eliminate corruption. These measures enable the South African public sector to establish and execute policies aimed at eradicating corruption. Four supplementary initiatives are presently implemented in South Africa: the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020–2030, the National Development Plan 2030, autonomous anti-corruption agencies, and whistleblower protection measures. Anti-corruption organisations in the country include the Financial Intelligence Centre, the National Anti-Corruption Hotline, the National Prosecution Authority, the South African Police Service, and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, among others. None of these measures could have diminished corruption and financial wrongdoing to the intended levels. The article examines incidents of corruption and financial malfeasance in South Africa, with particular emphasis on Eskom, a state-owned organisation (SOE). Significant corruption and financial malfeasance have transpired in South Africa during the past three decades. The findings indicate that the major corruption issues addressed include political interference, state capture, the Zuma-Gupta relationship, the latest de Ruyter interview, and related procedures. The paper presents comprehensive policy proposals to address and mitigate corruption within the public sector based on the findings. The practical implication is to aid policymakers in ensuring that the government engages all pertinent stakeholders to realise its objective of "no corruption.