Corruption Prevalence in SADC Regional Bloc

The journey to harness corruption in SADC states remains a challenge even after decades of preaching effects of corruption. Corruption derails success and development, and its costs are borne by the citizens. Corruption is found in the award of contracts, promotion of staff, dispensation of justice, and misuse of public offices, positions, and privileges, embezzlement of public funds, public books, publications, documents, valuable security, accounts, among others. Millions of dollars are lost each day through corrupt activities, yet such amounts if channeled to productive use could yield a lot for the betterment of respective states. Collaborative efforts have been made through formation of regional groups, world institutions among others with the zeal to harness corruption. The study utilized the CPI statistics for the period 2008-2019 to explore the level of corruption in the SADC regional bloc. The levels have been observed to be falling in the red-zone implying SADC economies are very corrupt. Comparisons have been made with other nations on the green-zone and the differences noticed to be too big to be covered in the near future. Political will is required to harness corruption in the regional bloc, together with strong institutions for the enforcement of the laws. The government should be on the top in addressing corruption. Political discipline is of great importance because leaders should lead by examples. Collaborative efforts and individuals efforts are all necessary to address corruption. The private sector is recommended to ensure that they maintain a culture of integrity, transparency and fairness in their operations. The regional bloc should tighten controls and continuously engage each other for a corruption-free region to improve ease-of-doing-business indicators and ensure positive development. Neopatrimonialism and state capture should be addressed, as the elements have been blamed for some corruption scandals observed in the regional bloc