SA's 'shocking' bribery stats

2006-06-28 08:27

Marietie Louw

Polokwane - All South African respondents taking part in a survey indicated that they were willing to pay a bribe in order to avoid a traffic fine.

Traffic officials were also indicated as those in a position of authority who most easily asked for a bribe. This shocking information was came to light in research done by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), showing that 100% of the respondents, who were asked if they had ever paid a bribe to avoid a traffic fine, admitted that they had.

Willie Hofmeyr, head of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and chief of the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) revealed the information at the opening of the local AFU office and the SIU in Limpopo on Tuesday.

Hofmeyr said the investigation was done by the ISS in 2004 - the year in which the most bribe money had been paid in any sector in the country, he said.

The investigation also indicated that 73% of the respondents paid bribes in order not to have to pay their water and electricity accounts.

"It is very shocking to know that everybody who took part in the test sample, actually paid a bribe instead of a traffic fine, said Hofmeyr.

The investigation also found that 72% of the respondents paid a bribe to have their telephones installed, and 65% paid bribe money to customs officials.

Altogether 51% paid bribes where pensions were concerned, 52% to obtain housing, and 55% to buy drivers' licenses.

Premier Sello Moloto from Limpopo, as well as Hofmeyr, warned people not to pay bribes. " It is equally important for people to report it when they are being asked to pay a bribe," said Hofmeyr.

Hofmeyr said their investigations showed that between 6% and 8% of South Africans, or nearly two million people, were asked to pay bribes for services rendered by the government.

"Corruption is still a very serious problem in South Africa," said Hofmeyr.

- Beeld