Corruption during and after COVID-19: Analysis of the factors impeding anti-corruption initiatives in South Africa

The study aims to investigate the extent of corruption in South Africa. The article explores the corruption and financial misconduct recorded during COVID-19. The study is qualitative, and information is compiled using desktop analysis. Various journal articles, books, and official documents are considered to gather publicly available data. This methodology forms part of the literature review. The information gathered was assessed through conceptual and document analysis. The findings indicate that although anti-corruption Acts and strategies are available, implementation gaps exist to combat corruption successfully. The article highlights the significant role the government can play in reducing corruption as a suggestion for policymakers to consider. Corruption arises for a variety of reasons. Personal greed, the desire for an opulent lifestyle, the ego satisfaction that comes with having power and authority, insufficient institutional measures, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation measures are just a few examples. Whatever the cause, corruption cannot be tolerated. It goes against the organisation's moral standards, code of conduct, integrity, and honesty.