Number of reports of corruption rises

CORRUPTIONWatch said it had received 5 334 reports of corruption last year, an increase from the 4 391 reports it received in 2016.

The organisation, in a report titled The Time is Now‚ painted a picture of a more emboldened and vocal public‚ as evidenced by the 25% increase in the number of reports of corruption last year.

David Lewis‚ executive director of Corruption Watch‚ said 2017 was a landmark year in the fight against graft, but it was achieved only with great effort on the part of civil society‚ the media and an independent judiciary.

“Above all‚ it was achieved by an active and vigilant public. Corruption cannot be overcome without those who are willing to blow the whistle. They are the true heroes.”

The report said since Corruption Watch had been formed in 2012‚ it had received a cumulative total of 20 306 reports on corruption.

Last year‚ 30% of the reports alleged that corruption was taking place at provincial government level‚ which includes departments that focus on schools and housing‚ and 29% of reports alleged that corruption was taking place at national government level‚ which includes the police service.

The report said 22% of reports were taking place at local government level‚ 9% in the private sector and 10% of corruption could not be classified.

The report said bribery (27%) was the most frequent form of corruption reported‚ while embezzlement of funds (13%)‚ came in at second place‚ closely followed by procurement irregularities (12%).