Africa: corruption The continent’s high levels of graft are at the root of its lack of development, and mostly affect the poor By William Gumede What is the extent of corruption in Africa? The recent Global Corruption Barometer shows that 12 of the 13 countries with the worst record of bribery are in Africa. The African Union estimates that 25% of the GDP of African states, or some $148 billion, is lost to corruption every year on the continent. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates corruption costs Africa up to 50% in lost tax revenues and over $30 billion in…
William Gumede
South Africa: inclusive versus exclusive politics Jacob Zuma’s narrow Zulu nationalism stands in the way of the development of an inclusive South African identity Most African countries were flung together by former colonial powers out of diverse ethnic, religious and regional communities, making them among the most diverse nations on earth. The colonial powers exploited these differences to play communities against each other and so reinforce their control over subject peoples. In so doing they prevented these peoples from presenting a united front against their colonial rulers. Sadly, in the post-colonial period, many African leaders and governments have sought support…
Jacob Zuma’s narrow Zulu nationalism stands in the way of the development of an inclusive South African identity
