Topic: Political Corruption in Latin America
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Nuala Richards
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All South Africa position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
The concentration of power and autocracy left over from the periods of European colonization, have left Latin America with a corruption crisis. In modern times this has translated to organized crime and other similar abuses of power. Often corruption is allowed to continue because of weak institutions that fail to punish offenders. Additionally, discretionary use of power and monopolistic positions make corruption possible and opportune for officials.
Like many countries in Latin America, South Africa has had a long history with colonization and corruption with it as well as with following governments. The most famous feature of this in South Africa being the Apartheid, where a white minority created a system of institutionalized racism to oppress Blacks and Asian South Africans. Under such dictatorial rule, the truth was purposely withheld from the public. The nature of this domination necessitates a select few to be above the law to maintain the system, and as often the case those above the law routinely abuse this power for personal benefit. The Apartheid was overthrown by several economic factors, including undocumented funding, as well as bureaucratic continuities which have translated to modern corruption. Recently President Zuma was found guilty of corruption, where he used state money for personal items and provided favorable legislation in return for funds.
South Africa actually has a well-developed framework for checking corruption, especially within the region. However, inadequate enforcement has allowed corruption to thrive, with some officials linked to corrupt activities to escaping repercussions. Nearly half of South Africans believe that most or all of the government officials are corrupt. The PCCA criminalizes corruption, makes use in court easier, and obligates public officials to report corruption. Similarly, Promotion of Access to Information Act will protect whistleblowers, however, it has yet to be fully implemented. We understand the importance of information, which is why the latter Act is key to disassembling corrupt systems. Globally South Africa has ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption as well as the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. The resolutions made have been incorporated into efforts to actively confront corruption.
South Africa recommends greater transparency to promote the reporting of corruption and avoid concentration of power. This would impede on officials ability to secretly take bribes or commit fraud. A new framework of laws should be established to not only criminalize corruption but to encourage reporting of it. Connecting with that idea, we also suggest involvement in global or regional organizations to build general direction to anti-corruption movements, which would prove especially relevant in Latin America to bring all the countries into synchronism. It is paramount that any legislation in place be enforced and fully implemented to reap any results.
