South Africa struggles to shift corruption perceptions as public trust erodes

South Africa struggles to shift corruption perceptions as public trust erodes

For years, South Africans have been told the fight against corruption is underway. Yet a new report by Transparency International (TI) shows the country remains stuck in the same place, with little progress and a public increasingly frustrated by political inaction.

The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released on Tuesday, gives South Africa a score of 41 out of 100 unchanged from recent years and still below the global average of 42. Experts warn this stagnation reflects weak political will and signals a continued erosion of public trust.

A grim but familiar picture

“While the score has seldom given cause for celebration, remaining steadfastly below the 50 mark, the dip over the past two years to 41 is certainly cause for concern,” says Lebogang Ramafoko, executive director of Corruption Watch (TI’s South African chapter).

He argues that this is not just a number on a chart. “Corruption isn’t just a headline. It impacts real people: the quality of public services, fiscal management, and the daily lives of millions who see opportunities squandered and trust betrayed.”

Indeed, the CPI measures perceptions rather than actual incidents of corruption, which means the public’s sense of fairness or lack thereof, drives the score. Recent investigations, like the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing criminal justice corruption, have yet to translate into tangible improvements in public perception.

Signs of progress, but too small to move the needle

The report does note some encouraging developments. South Africa was removed from the FATF grey list in 2025, hosted a successful G20 Summit, and has ongoing investigations into corruption in key institutions.

Yet, these wins are largely technical or behind-the-scenes. Citizens scrolling through social media, watching news reports, or observing slow service delivery are unlikely to feel any relief. “Perceptions lag reality,” Ramafoko points out, “and when actions are not visible or decisive, cynicism grows.”

Regional context: South Africa among the better performers

Compared to its African peers, South Africa sits somewhere in the middle. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the lowest-performing region globally, averaging 32 out of 100. Only a handful of countries score above 50, with Seychelles (68) and Cabo Verde (62) leading the pack.

South Africa, now ranked 12th in the region, has slipped from its previous top-10 status. Countries like Botswana and Rwanda maintain stronger governance scores, while Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan languish below 15.

The cost of inaction

TI warns that stagnant scores are more than symbolic. When leaders fail to act decisively, civil society, journalists, and whistle-blowers face increasing barriers. Secrecy loopholes and attacks on freedom of expression allow corrupt officials to continue unchecked, resulting in mismanaged public funds, rising inequality, and declining living standards.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the “insidious effects of corruption” exposed in the State Capture Commission hearings. Government agencies like the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit, and the SIU Special Tribunal continue to pursue investigations and recover misappropriated funds. Still, Ramaphosa admits there is “a long way to go.”

The path forward

Experts argue that South Africa cannot rely solely on investigations or institutional tweaks. “Visible, decisive political leadership is essential,” says Ramafoko. Closing loopholes, safeguarding civic space, protecting journalists and whistle-blowers, and strengthening accountability institutions must become urgent priorities.

Without tangible action, the country risks being trapped in a cycle of stagnation while regional peers advance. The CPI may measure perception, but perceptions shape behaviour, influencing investment, public morale, and citizens’ willingness to engage in democratic processes.

As South Africans navigate rising costs of living, service delivery challenges, and political uncertainty, the message is clear: corruption is no longer just a political talking point. It is a barrier to progress, and restoring trust will require more than words, it will require visible action that changes what people see and experience in their daily lives.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com