Times Of Swaziland: CORRUPTION HAS TAKEN OVER OUR COUNTRY

CORRUPTION HAS TAKEN OVER OUR COUNTRY
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Nothando Mbhamali  on 19/02/2025 09:07:00


Sir,
I am writing to you today to express my deep concern about the rampant
corruption that is plaguing our society. Corruption is a cancer that eats away
at the very fabric of our society, destroying trust, fairness and equality. It
has far-reaching consequences that affect us all, from the economy to public
services, and it is imperative that we take a stand against it. Corruption
refers to the abuse of power for personal gain, usually through bribery,
nepotism or embezzlement. Corruption undermines the rule of law, hinders
economic development and erodes trust in institutions.
Impact
In our country, corruption has had a detrimental impact on our economy and
society. It has hindered the efficient functioning of government institutions,
leading to poor service delivery, lack of accountability and a sense of
injustice among the populace. Corruption also distorts market competition, as
those who pay bribes or engage in nepotism unfairly gain advantages over honest
businesses. The economic impact of corruption is significant.
It diverts resources away from essential services such as healthcare and
education, leading to a cycle of poverty and inequality. Foreign investment is
deterred by the perception of a corrupt business environment, leading to
decreased economic growth and job opportunities. Corruption also undermines the
credibility of government, making it difficult to attract international aid and
investment.
Impunity
Furthermore, corruption breeds a culture of impunity, where individuals believe
they can act with impunity without fear of consequences. This erodes the
principles of democracy and the rule of law, leading to a breakdown in social
cohesion and trust. In the long run, corruption can destabilise governments and
lead to social unrest. Corruption weakens institutions, undermines economic
growth and erodes trust in society. To combat corruption, a concerted effort
from government, civil society and the private sector is needed to promote
transparency, accountability and integrity.
Only by addressing corruption head-on can we build a more just and equitable
society. Corruption has numerous disadvantages that hinder the progress and
development of a nation. It diverts resources away from essential services such
as healthcare, education and infrastructure, resulting in a lack of proper
facilities for its citizens. It also creates an unfair playing field, where
those with money and power can manipulate the system to their advantage, leaving
the marginalised and vulnerable at a severe disadvantage. Corruption erodes
public trust in institutions and fosters a culture of impunity, where wrongdoers
are not held accountable for their actions.
One needs to look at the examples of countries that have successfully tackled
corruption to see the benefits of anti-corruption measures. Countries like
Denmark, Sweden and New Zealand consistently rank high on transparency indexes
and have low levels of corruption. As a result, their citizens enjoy a high
standard of living, with strong public services and a thriving economy. These
countries are proof that a society free from corruption can prosper and ensure a
better quality of life for all its citizens. To tackle corruption, strong
institutions and robust anti-corruption measures are needed.
Transparency, accountability and good governance are key components in fighting
corruption. Government must also promote a culture of integrity and ethics,
instilling a sense of responsibility and duty among public officials.
Additionally, civil society plays a crucial role in exposing corruption and
holding those responsible to account. I urge you to take action against
corruption and prioritise anti-corruption measures in our country. The time to
act is now, for the sake of our economy, our society and our future. Let us work
together to build a better, more transparent society for all.