SMALL BRIBES BIG CHALLENGE: Extent and nature of petty corruption in South Africa

Abstract

Although grand corruption like that associated with the arms deal, receives most media attention, petty corruption can be as damaging if left unchecked. According to the ISS 2003 National Victims of Crime survey, petty corruption was the second most prevalent crime in the country after housebreaking. Of most concern is that many citizens do not know how to report corruption, do not believe that doing so will change anything, and, despite good whistleblower provisions, are afraid of the consequences if they do report.