Corruption in apartheid South Africa under John Vorster: a case study

Abstract

The object of research: This article explores corruption during apartheid South Africa. The first part describes corruption and articulates or presents its effects on service delivery.
 Investigated problem: This study examines John Vorster’s role in corruption during the 1970’s. It argues that Vorster and some cabinet ministers were implicated in corrupt practices during the period in question.
 The main scientific results: The findings of this study reveal that corruption was rife in South Africa during apartheid era; it is not new. This research study adds to our understanding of political oddities in the 1970’s that affected the subsequent years.
 The area of practical use of research results: The value of this study is that it may be possible to determine historical patterns and/or responses that can be applied in fighting corruption in present day South Africa. It concludes by stating that to combat corruption would require putting in place appropriate anti-corruption and legal machinery; and prosecute, without fear or favour, violations of public service codes of conduct.
 Innovative technological product: The historical patterns investigated in this article can inform government policy on how to provide for the strengthening of measures to prevent and combat corruption and corrupt activities in modern South Africa; as well as to provide for the investigative measures in respect of corruption and related corrupt activities.
 Scope of the innovative technological product: The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004, provides for the establishment and endorsement of a Register in order to place certain restrictions on persons convicted of corrupt activities relating to tenders and contracts. Further, South Africans have welcomed the National Anti-Corruption Strategy which is a whole-of-society effort that envisions an ethical and accountable state, business and society characterized by high level of integrity and respect for the rule of law.