Corruption in South African schools is one of the areas of concern with at least 15% of complaints being reported. This was revealed by civil body Corruption Watch at the release of its 2017 corruption report.
Maladministration and miss-use of funds are some of the biggest issues facing schools.
Against the backdrop of dramatic revelations of large-scale corruption that unfolded throughout the year, Corruption Watch says it has received over 20 000 public reports in various sectors.
Over 5 000 complaints were lodged in 2017. The Education sector is the main culprit, 750 schools nationwide have been accused of acts of corruption and collusion.
“We found that a significant volume of reports come from parents who reported corruption in management of schools resources,” says Executive Director of Corruption, David Lewis.
The Department of Basic Education has welcomed the release of the report. “Where there are reports of corruption and mismanagement that is a problem we need to tackle so we appreciate the work done by corruption watch because they elevate issues we otherwise wouldn’t know about,” says Basic Education Spokesperson Elijah Mahlangu.
The policing sector, licensing department, health and housing are also problematic with the majority of reports originating from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Corruption Watch says the focus for 2018 will be on health and policing.
Click below for more on the story:
