Corruption getting worse - youth
2013-03-06 18:50
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 4 197 respondents, aged between 18 and 34, were
interviewed for the survey.
Naming and shaming
"It’s clear that young people see government as stuck
in a spiral of corruption and would welcome any measure that helps stop
it," spokesperson 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% 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