Successful anti-corruption initiatives in Botswana, Singapore and Georgia : lessons for South Africa

Abstract

Corruption is widely cited as the key reason for under-development and poverty. It is often stated that developing countries could address developmental challenges that they are faced with if they manage to curb corruption to minimum levels. The article seeks to provide a brief overview of the successful control of corruption in three selected developing countries (Botswana, Singapore [a developing country at an advanced stage] and Georgia). These developing countries have tremendously improved their rankings in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. The case for providing a brief overview on developing countries is much stronger than for developed countries as successful anti-corruption reforms by most developed countries were implemented while they were still classifi ed as developing countries. The specifi cities of each country that are important in implementing the ethics and anti-corruption initiatives will be outlined. The data used in this article is gathered by desktop review in South Africa with preexisting surveys, previous research and reports of different institutions used for describing the selected developing countries’ control systems of corruption. The article will, furthermore, contextualise in the South African environment the arguments presented for the selected developing countries which have managed to curb the scourge of corruption. The arguments presented revolve around designing an implementation model for anti-corruption, political will, collective action, a dedicated anti-corruption agency and collaboration with other sectors of society.