SOUTH AFRICA: ‘The Global System Works Against Petty Corruption, But Collapses When Corruption Becomes Grand, Political and Organised’

CIVICUS speaks with Ruth Kolevsohn, Executive Director of Good Governance Africa, about recent anti-corruption protests across Africa and calls for an International Anti-Corruption Court.

People have taken to the streets across African countries to protest against corruption and the deep economic and social damage it causes. From Generation Z-led protests to wider civic mobilisations, movements reflect growing anger at systems that protect the powerful while public services fail and living costs rise. Against this backdrop, governments met in Doha, Qatar in December 2025 for the 11th Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). While the conference renewed international commitments, it also highlighted the distance between words and action, particularly when it comes to enforcement, political financing, asset recovery and the need to protect civic space so people can demand accountability.

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