What is Political Corruption

Corruption continues to bedevil both the public and private sector worldwide. In both developed and developing nations, public sector corruption is endemic with complex and devastating effects on development, economic growth, and service delivery. Corruption does not only divert public resources meant for developmental service delivery, but also undermines nations' integrity, legitimacy, and reputation. The chapter argues that corruption in South Africa does not only exacerbate poverty, unemployment, poor service delivery and inequality, but further undermines South Africa as a developmental state and render anti-corruption policies and programmes dysfunctional. The chapter made use of selected case studies of corruption at national, provincial, and local government levels, including their implications for a capable and ethical state. Data for this chapter was obtained through secondary sources in the form of books, accredited journals, book chapters, and government documents.