South Africa Control of Corruption
Control of Corruption CC.EST
South Africa's control of corruption was -0.46 in 2025, ranked 123rd globally. This represents a 61.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
South Africa's control of corruption stood at -0.46 in 2025, a decline of +0.17 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.46 by 2025. South Africa ranked 123rd globally.
South Africa's control of corruption has shown a notable decline over the past quarter-century, with its all-time peak of 0.73 in 1996 giving way to an all-time trough of -0.46 in 2025. This downward trend places the country at number 123 globally, according to the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. Comparatively, South Africa ranks below its peer countries, including Serbia and Indonesia, which share similar scores of -0.45 and -0.46 respectively. The significant drop in South Africa's control of corruption since its peak in 1996 highlights the challenges the country has faced in maintaining good governance. The current trajectory suggests a pressing need for effective anti-corruption measures to reverse this trend. However, with a concerted effort to strengthen institutions and enhance transparency, South Africa could potentially turn its control of corruption score around, setting a more positive trajectory for the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Control of Corruption | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.54 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.46 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.46 | −0.17 | #123 |
| 2023 | -0.28 | +0.05 | #108 |
| 2022 | -0.33 | −0.30 | #112 |
| 2021 | -0.03 | +0.03 | #92 |
| 2020 | -0.06 | −0.03 | #93 |
| 2019 | -0.03 | +0.11 | #91 |
| 2018 | -0.14 | −0.01 | #95 |
| 2017 | -0.13 | −0.14 | #95 |
| 2016 | 0.02 | +0.09 | #85 |
| 2015 | -0.07 | +0.05 | #90 |
| 2014 | -0.13 | +0.01 | #90 |
| 2013 | -0.14 | +0.05 | #90 |
| 2012 | -0.18 | −0.18 | #93 |
| 2011 | 0.00 | −0.07 | #84 |
| 2010 | 0.07 | −0.06 | #76 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw control of corruption improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's control of corruption was -0.46 in 2025. Ranked 123rd globally. This represents a 61.2% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's control of corruption peaked at 0.73 in 1996.
The lowest control of corruption in South Africa was -0.46 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 123rd globally in control of corruption as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is CC.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
South Africa's control of corruption is projected to reach -0.46 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The control of corruption of South Africa in 2025 was -0.46. This ranks 123rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_control-of-corruption,
title = {South Africa Control of Corruption},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/control-of-corruption/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}