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This report investigates how corruption is perceived and experienced by South Africans, focusing on normalization and reporting reluctance.

May 24, 2026Open Access

Normalised misconduct: how South Africans feel about and experience corruption

Key Points

This report investigates how corruption is perceived and experienced by South Africans, focusing on normalization and reporting reluctance.
Analysis of the 2024/25 South African Social Attitudes Survey
Examined perceptions and experiences of corruption among South Africans
Identified demographics most exposed to corruption
Corruption is increasingly seen as a normal part of daily life for many South Africans.
Only a small percentage of individuals feel safe reporting corrupt incidents.
Certain demographics, particularly those interacting with state institutions, are more exposed to corruption experiences.

Abstract

South Africans often see corruption reported in news headlines, and many experience it in everyday interactions with the state and at their workplaces. A new report from the HSRC’s analysis of the 2024/25 South African Social Attitudes Survey shows how corruption is being normalised, who is most exposed and why so few people feel safe reporting it.

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