‘State corruption getting worse’

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

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Johannesburg - Most young South Africans believe corruption in government is getting worse, a survey revealed on Wednesday.

Sixty-nine percent of the youth surveyed believed there was currently more corruption in government than a year ago, consumer insights company Pondering Panda said.

They also supported the Democratic Alliance's call for naming and shaming of corrupt politicians.

Eighteen percent believed it was at the same level, and eight percent that there was less corruption.

A total of 4197 respondents, aged between 18 and 34, were interviewed for the survey.

“It’s clear that young people see government as stuck in a spiral of corruption and would welcome any measure that helps stop it,” spokeswoman Shirley Wakefield said.

“As our other surveys have shown, young people feel corruption affects them directly, because it diverts money into the pockets of corrupt politicians and officials - money which could otherwise be used to improve education, infrastructure, and create job opportunities.”

Fifty-eight percent of respondents believed there would be less corruption if those found guilty were named, while 38 percent thought this would have no effect.

The remainder of respondents were unsure about the impact it would have.

“Young South Africans support the naming and shaming of corrupt politicians, but the fact that almost two in five think it won’t change anything shows that there is a significant lack of faith in the government,” said Wakefield. - Sapa