South Africa: Between Ballots - Breaking Corruption Cycles in SA Municipalities

What the report says

An Institute for Security Studies analysis published by AllAfrica argues that corruption in South Africa’s municipalities is a recurring system that needs constant oversight, not just attention during election periods. The piece is framed around voters heading to the polls and says municipal decay, weak services and failing infrastructure are tied to deeper problems in leadership, procurement and financial management.

Using its Anti-Corruption Tracker Information System, or ACTis, the ISS reviewed 20 municipalities, including local, district and metropolitan councils. The analysis says it found patterns such as improper appointments, leadership instability, manipulated tenders, weak controls, repeated irregular contracting and attempts to block accountability. Examples cited include cases in Beaufort West, Buffalo City, Johannesburg, Polokwane, KwaDukuza and Tshwane, where officials or contractors were linked to irregular conduct or disputed procurement decisions.

The article says corruption often begins in procurement and is then reinforced by poor oversight and delayed consequences. It also notes that auditors, police units, government departments and commissions have produced findings, but implicated officials are frequently left in place or moved elsewhere. According to the report, this allows networks of public officials and private beneficiaries to keep operating while residents bear the cost through poor delivery and damaged infrastructure.

The ISS says municipalities need broader reforms, including stronger leadership vetting, better audit follow-through, investigations and meaningful sanctions. It also says some municipalities, including Midvaal, Swartland and Ehlanzeni, appear comparatively resilient, suggesting that corruption can be interrupted when warning signs are addressed early.