Corruption Watch - a non-profit organisation working to fight corruption in South Africa - found these two provinces are amongst those continuing to contribute to rampant corruption and wasteful expenditure in the country. 

Their report indicates that cases of employment corruption are highest in the Northern Cape at 55%, followed by Mpumalanga at 51%. These are cases that include high absenteeism of government officials, allegations of nepotism and favouritism, as well as the appointment of unqualified candidates. Whilst the province of Limpopo was flagged worst with regard to Supply Chain Management irregularities, kickbacks to officials, and inflated pricing, amongst others, the Free State ranked the second highest province engaging in such corrupt activities.

The organisation says corruption is a major concern in the country, and the most vulnerable groups of society continues to bear the brunt thereof amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

"The issue of corruption in the health sector should be of paramount concern as it prevents a vast section of the population from accessing their right to decent healthcare. The unacceptable economic disparities that exist in South Africa are particularly exposed in the health sector, where those most in need are deprived of their constitutional right to receive life-saving and quality health services," said the organisation's researcher, Melusi Ncala.

In addition to this, OFM News last month reported on how these two provinces were also flagged in the Auditor-General's report for high irregular expenditure and the lack of accountability.

In his latest Local Government Audit Outcomes, AG Kimi Makwetu further painted a bleak picture of how these provinces are amongst those failing to improve their municipalities.

OFM News