The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) unveiled the results from its longitudinal research project, Corruption and Behaviour Change: Tracking Social Norms and Values in South Africa, funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). This study aims to support the objectives of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2020–2030 by investigating pathways to foster zero-tolerance attitudes toward corruption across South African society. It focuses on how South Africans can be encouraged to adopt an anti-corruption mindset and work with the authorities to fight corruption.

Drawing on data from the 2025 South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS), this study demonstrates the dire state of corruption in our nation. Many adults reported living in communities where public officials engage in bribery, nepotism and sexual extortion. These issues disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged communities and warrant far greater scrutiny than they typically receive in national headlines. Workplace corruption also looms large, with nearly half of employed adults indicating that bribery occurs within their professions. The data shows that reform is needed to promote a culture of zero-tolerance for corruption in the country. Yet there is some hope for the future, as our results show a growing public appetite to confront and combat corruption.

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