VIDEO: Global Corruption Barometer – Africa

Corruption in African countries is hindering economic, political and social development, Transparency International said releasing its Global Corruption Barometer for Africa.

It is a major barrier to economic growth, good governance and basic freedoms, such as freedom of speech or citizens’ right to hold governments to account.

“More than this, corruption affects the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.”

The 10^th edition of the Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) – Africa, reveals that while most people in Africa feel corruption increased in their country, a majority also feel optimistic that they, as citizens, can make a difference in the fight against corruption.

The GCB, conducted between the end of July and September last year, revealed that 64% of South Africans surveyed think corruption levels have increased during the past 12 months.

And they believe the country is not doing much to combat this.

Corruption Watch’s David Lewis said: “I think the people are saying that ‘until we see prosecutions and convictions, we’re not going to be convinced that the government is doing enough.'”

The survey also revealed the police service is considered the most corrupt institution in South Africa.

Across Africa, the CGB shows that more than half of all citizens think corruption is getting worse in their country and that their government is doing a bad job in tackling corruption.

The report also found more than one in four people who accessed public services, such as health care and education, paid a bribe in the previous year.

This is equivalent to approximately 130 million citizens in the 35 countries surveyed.   

Conducted in partnership with Afrobarometer and Omega Research, the GCB is the largest, most detailed survey of citizens’ views on corruption and their direct experiences of bribery in Africa.

The survey incorporates the views of more than 47,000 citizens from 35 countries across Africa.