Would you pay a bribe to get out of a bad situation?
A recent survey suggests that 'it's not possible to get through a day in South Africa without paying a bribe'.
Annually, the Ethics Institute in association with Massmart publishes an annual South African Citizens’ Bribery Survey.
Read: ICC convicts Congo former vice president for bribing witnesses
This year's survey, which was conducted in Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, Limpopo, and Free State, has found that the number of South Africans being asked for a bribe has increased. About 37% of us know someone who was has been asked for a bribe in the past year.
That's up 4% from last year!
Read: The worst fail at a bribe goes to...
Included in the survey was the average cost for a bribe which amounts to R1,500, while the average bribe amount for a tender is roughly R82,000.
The list goes on and even includes bribes to receive basic public services - surely this is beyond unethical? In Chapter 10 of the Constitution - Basic values and principles governing public administration, it clearly states that 'services must be provided impartially, fairly, equitably and without bias' - I don't think any one read this in their employment manual.
Read: Gordhan slams auditing firms involved in corruption
According to the survey, these are the top five most common types of bribes:
- The avoidance of traffic offenses (39%)
- Obtaining a driver’s license (18%)
- Securing a job (14%)
- Receiving a public service (8%)
- To avoid police or criminal charges (7%)
Would you pay a bribe to get yourself out of a sticky situation knowing that it could mean you getting away with it?