Africans give corrupt elites too much leeway

Corruption is a global phenomenon. It is wrong to say corruption only takes place in Africa. There is corruption in Europe and America.

The only difference between the West and Africa is that in Africa, corruption is tolerated because those who steal money are not arrested and prosecuted.

Western governments try their level best to investigate cases of corruption, arrest the perpetrators and if found guilty, send them to jail. African governments tolerate corruption to such an extent that even if the evidence is clear, suspects are not arrested.

Year in year out billions of rand are stolen in most African countries by politicians to enrich their families and friends. The politicians and their immediate families plunder the coffers of the state to buy properties overseas.

For example, there are allegations Duduzane Zuma and his father have bought properties in the Middle East.

Until corruption is treated decisively, Africans will never benefit from the resources in their respective countries.

In some African countries corruption is even justified.

The way corruption is rife in our country reminds me of the book The Devil on the Cross by Ngugi wa Thiong’o.

The book clearly shows how politicians in Africa plunder state coffers with impunity.

If corruption is not nipped in the bud and those who are alleged to be involved are investigated and prosecuted, the economy of the country will be damaged.

Phangani N'wabenula Mamelodi