Corruption in the Public Sector: The Elusive Crime

• NCJ Number: 217324
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 90-102
• Author(s): E. Grobler; S. J. Joubert
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided PDF link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article and 5) click on the "full text" icon. Downloaded February 12, 2007

Annotation

This article examines the definitions and etiology of corruption and analyzes the incidence of corruption in South Africa.

Abstract

Corruption has been defined in numerous ways and can be understood as the misuse of public office for personal gain. Several definitions for corruption are offered, including a distinction between petty corruption, which involves specific acts of abuse of power by individuals or groups for personal and sectional gain, and grand corruption, which is defined as the widespread corruption of entire political systems. The risk factors related to corruption are described, including greed, administrative control, and quality of the bureaucracy. The authors also analyze the practices that can contribute to corruption, such as patronage, nepotism, bribery, and ghosting. The remainder of the article examines the incidence of corruption in South Africa, which is difficult to estimate due to its elusive nature. In 1997, corruption in South Africa had reached such high levels that President Mandela appointed a Special Investigating Unit to investigate corruption in the country. By 1999, the Unit was investigating over 90,000 cases involving approximately R7 billion. Corruption within South Africa’s central, provincial, and local governments is separately examined followed by a description of specific examples of public sector corruption. Examples include a secret organization within the Correctional Services headed by the commissioner that functioned only to provide “jobs for pals.” Another example includes fraud and corruption among senior magistrates in provinces around South Africa. The authors call for the full implementation of the Public Finance Management Act in order to bring tighter controls, better supervision, and ongoing skills training to public servants and officials in South Africa. Bibliography