Reformers such as President Cyril Ramaphosa confront a widespread reality which, because it reflects patterns which go back many years and springs from the exclusion of many from the benefits which democracy was meant to bring, is tenacious and can survive shocks. Removing a few high-profile people will not change much because the networks will survive, as they have done since the departure of former president Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family, who were meant to be the cause of all the problems. None of this means that sharply reducing corruption in South Africa is impossible. Deep-rooted problems created over centuries demand thorough-going solutions which will take time to work. While this requires patience and understanding, the alternative is many more years of public railing at corruption while the problem remains because its causes have been ignored.
Steven Friedman, 'Corruption is deeply rooted in South Africa’s past. This is why it matters', Independent Online
