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The SCI: Tracking corruption at sub-national level

The Subnational Corruption Index (SCI) provides a novel way of tracking corruption, as it gives the numbers for both grand and petty corruption (perceived) in 1 473 regions across 178 countries. Providing corruption statistics at a sub-national level is important, say Lamar Crombach and Jeroen Smits, who compile and manage the SCI, because “We believe Read more >

CPI 2025: SA’s performance unchanged, global average declines

Anti-corruption movement Transparency International (TI) today released the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), highlighting worsening corruption and a decline in leadership globally. The picture in South Africa is equally discouraging, showing little to no progress in the last three years. South Africa’s anti-corruption efforts, as reflected in this year’s index, are still found wanting as Read more >

Musicians of Mzansi – Si thini nge corruption? Ngeke!

The fight against corruption needs your voice. Fair Play, the global music movement amplifying youth voices through powerful protest music, is landing in South Africa for the first time ever, and is on the search for an epic anti-corruption anthem to move hearts and minds. In partnership with Fair Play and Corruption Watch, and with Read more >

Beyond the rhetoric: youth and anti-corruption efforts in Indonesia

If Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo was known for his Nawacita (nine goals), his successor Prabowo Subianto is introducing Astacita — an approach centred on eight strategic agendas, one of which focuses on eliminating corruption. However, tackling corruption cannot be achieved through national policy alone. As a PhD student researching local governance, I believe that civil Read more >

There is no true freedom without press freedom

Image: Voice of America Global freedom of information watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released its 2025 World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) on 2 May 2025, and the picture it paints is not a pretty one. The report describes a marked deterioration of press freedom around the world, with violations such as physical attacks, restricted public Read more >

The effect of social norms on bureaucratic corruption

South Africa is not alone in striving to address public sector corruption, which has been allowed to flourish over centuries of governance. Countries all over the world – yes, even those at the top of the Corruption Perceptions Index – struggle with the relentless tide of bribery, malfeasance, extortion, and more, that is sweeping over Read more >

No new story to tell in South Africa, according to 2024 CPI

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released today by anti-corruption movement Transparency International (TI) reflects the apparent stagnation of South Africa’s anti-corruption efforts. With a score of 41, the same as last year, the country remains stubbornly below the global average of 43, having dropped by three points since 2019. According to Corruption Watch (CW), Read more >