To remedy systemic corruption in South Africa, policymakers must look beyond the discourse of transparency and accountability to emerging anti-corruption theory. Policy research in this field should be multi-disciplinary, grounded in empirical research and informed by decolonial thought. There is a need for more research into the unique types and drivers of corruption at national, local and sector-specific levels, to inform policy reform.

About the author

Colette Ashton is an attorney who has worked in various roles in civil society in South Africa. She holds a cum laude Master’s degree in anti-corruption skills from the UN-founded International Anti-Corruption Academy in Vienna. She is a Southern African expert on non-trial resolutions for corruption cases and works towards finding other feasible anti-corruption policy reform initiatives.