Comparison Between South Africa and Venezuela

Corruption in South Africa and Venezuela

First launched in 1995, the corruption percentage index has been widely credited with putting the issue of corruption on the international policy agenda. These numbers will be scored very year on most countries in the world to reflect how their corrupt public sectors are seen to be. Among the 176 countries and territories included in Corruption Percentage Index 2012, South Africa ranks 69 with a score of 43 while Venezuela ranks 165 with a score of 19 . Obviously, the level of public sector corruption in Venezuela is perceived more highly than that in South Africa.

Venezuela has been characterized by the persistent presence of political and financial corruption in public administration for over one century. Among its history, the situation of administrative disarray was only replaced during the 1960s by a period of high transparency in the management of public wealth at the hands of democratic presidents (Coronel, 2008). In the mid 1970s, corruption spun out of control since then after “a sudden oil windfall” and “The great Venezuela” idea. During the Chavez’s tenure, the level of government corruption was the highest ever experienced in Venezuela. He placed himself above the law and used a large amount of oil income to finance his political activities. It is shocking that none have been punished or in prison for corruption in Venezuela. Historical factors, the dictatorship in government structure and insufficient enforcement of regulations lead to high level of corruption in Venezuela.

Corruption in South Africa gest worse according to the Corruption Percentage Index ranking which was 69th in 2012 up from a ranking of 64th in 2011, and 54th in 2010. But at least South Africa has legal system to punish corruption criminal.

Because of corruption in Venezuela, huge amount of money is nowhere to be seen in terms of public works or effective health and education programs and even leaves the country with a list of debts. A...