Discuss the impact that corrupt practices within a government may have on the society it serves

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Discuss the impact that corrupt practices within a government may have on the society it serves.” This is a critical discussion point in Life Orientation Grade 12, focusing on the “Responsibility of the State” and “Democracy and Human Rights.”

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Quick Answer

Impact of Government Corruption:

• Erodes Trust: Citizens lose faith in democratic institutions and the rule of law.
• Poor Service Delivery: Funds meant for clinics, schools, and roads are stolen, leading to a decline inquality of life.
• Increased Inequality: The gap between the rich and the poor widens as resources are diverted to a few individuals.
• Economic Instability: Foreign investors avoid corrupt countries, leading to fewer jobs for matriculants.

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The Consequences of Corruption in Society

In South Africa, corruption is defined as the abuse of public power for private gain. When government officials ignore their mandate for professional ethics, the negative effects ripple through every level of society.

1. Negative Impact on Basic Service Delivery

Corruption directly steals from the poorest members of society. When money intended for housing or electricity is lost to fraud and corruption, the community suffers.

• The Result: Learners may face environmental stressors like a lack of electricity for studying or poor public transport to get to school.
• The Long-term Effect: This limits a student’s ability to focus on NSC exam preparation, as they are constantly managing the stress of a failing infrastructure.

2. Erosion of the Rule of Law and Public Trust

For a democracy to function, citizens must believe that the law applies to everyone equally.

• The Impact: When high-ranking officials avoid accountability, it sends a message that “honesty does not pay.”
• The Danger: This can influence the personality traits of young people, leading them to believe that unethical shortcuts are the only way to succeed. It creates a detrimental relationship between the state and its citizens.

3. Diversion of Funding for Further Education

Corruption in the administration of bursaries or tertiary funding has a devastating impact on Grade 12 learners.

• The Challenge: If funds meant for student loans are mismanaged, many learners will face the challenge of no longer qualifying for their intended course due to lack of money, rather than a lack of marks.
• The Stress: This increases the academic and social pressure on learners who are already struggling to balance their priorities.

4. Increased Unemployment and Economic Decline

Corruption acts as a “hidden tax” that makes doing business more expensive.

• The Outcome: International companies are less likely to invest in a country where they have to pay bribes. This leads to fewer job opportunities for students transitioning to the workplace.
• Personal Growth: Instead of seeing their future as an opportunity for growth, young people may feel hopeless, which significantly impacts their mental health and conflict resolution skills within their communities.

Fighting Back Through Ethics

To combat these impacts, South African law provides mandates for Heads of Departments to manage conduct strictly. Only through a holistic and preventative approach can society begin to recover from the damage caused by corrupt practices.

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
• Topic: Responsibility of the State – Impact of Corruption.
• Source: My Courses LO Task Guide.