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Johannesburg - Transparency International's global corruption barometer 2013 paints a picture of a world in which corruption is, by and large, worsening.
South Africa forms part of the overwhelming majority in which citizens believe corruption has increased.
Deon Rossouw, CEO of the Ethics Institute of South Africa (EthicsSA), said in Johannesburg: "What's concerning is the extent to which the pillars of our society - the government, the public service, political parties and the police - are perceived to be corrupt.
“This is not news to South Africans, of course, but what is heartening is the extent to which ordinary people believe they can make a difference.
"We have to build on this to hold our public institutions to account."
The barometer showed that 67% of people around the world believe that ordinary people could make a difference in the battle against corruption - a drop from the previous barometer's 72%.
A total of 89% of South Africans said they would be prepared to take some sort of action against corruption.
Rossouw said globally political parties, the cornerstones of democracy, were seen to be the most corrupt institutions (that infamy is the preserve of the police in SA).
Protector
The public sector was also perceived to be among the most corrupt institutions.
"It all starts at the top - the right tone has to come from our political leaders.
“However, the secrecy bill and the long delays in appointing heads for the national prosecuting authority and special investigating unit, among others, show that there is insufficient political will," says Rossouw.
"The independence and resources of the semi-autonomous anti-corruption agencies like the Hawks, the public protector and the special investigating unit have to be strengthened."
"Turning the tide is possible, but it will require massive effort.
“It looks like the impetus will have to come from 'we, the people', which is probably as it should be," Rossouw said.
- Fin24
South Africa forms part of the overwhelming majority in which citizens believe corruption has increased.
Deon Rossouw, CEO of the Ethics Institute of South Africa (EthicsSA), said in Johannesburg: "What's concerning is the extent to which the pillars of our society - the government, the public service, political parties and the police - are perceived to be corrupt.
“This is not news to South Africans, of course, but what is heartening is the extent to which ordinary people believe they can make a difference.
"We have to build on this to hold our public institutions to account."
The barometer showed that 67% of people around the world believe that ordinary people could make a difference in the battle against corruption - a drop from the previous barometer's 72%.
A total of 89% of South Africans said they would be prepared to take some sort of action against corruption.
Rossouw said globally political parties, the cornerstones of democracy, were seen to be the most corrupt institutions (that infamy is the preserve of the police in SA).
Protector
The public sector was also perceived to be among the most corrupt institutions.
"It all starts at the top - the right tone has to come from our political leaders.
“However, the secrecy bill and the long delays in appointing heads for the national prosecuting authority and special investigating unit, among others, show that there is insufficient political will," says Rossouw.
"The independence and resources of the semi-autonomous anti-corruption agencies like the Hawks, the public protector and the special investigating unit have to be strengthened."
"Turning the tide is possible, but it will require massive effort.
“It looks like the impetus will have to come from 'we, the people', which is probably as it should be," Rossouw said.
- Fin24
