HSRC: Poor South Africans bear the brunt of local-level corruption

By Thapelo Molefe

Poor communities in South Africa are facing the highest levels of corruption from local public officials, deepening inequality and weakening trust in government, according to new research released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Thursday.

The study, titled Corruption and Behaviour Change: Tracking Social Norms and Values in South Africa, shows that in many disadvantaged neighbourhoods, bribery, nepotism and even sexual extortion have become part of everyday life.

“Economic disadvantage significantly increased the likelihood of living in a community characterised by public sector corruption,” the research noted.

The report highlights how residents in poorer areas are more likely to encounter corrupt officials when trying to access basic services or government benefits. Many respondents told researchers that it has become normal for public officials to demand something in return for doing their job. 

“Many adults reported living in communities where public officials engage in bribery, nepotism