This article emanates from a statement in the news to the effect that the President is contemplating the transfer of power over “all upstream petroleum operations in Namibia” from the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy to her office, because the history of the industry in Africa shows, “it needs close monitoring”. 

This means that the Presidency will gain authority over oil and gas exploration, including the power to grant, renew, and revoke licenses and production rights. 

While this may be a welcome development, it could be described as a short-lived measure, because the primary cause of the issue lies in flaws embedded in the overarching governance structure, rather than in the morality of the people within it. 

Corruption is a form of dishonesty or criminal offense committed by a person or organisation entrusted with a position of authority. 

Historically, corruption has been constant in society and has occurred across all civilisations. 

However, it has only been in the 20 years that this phenomenon has begun being seriously explored. It has many different shapes as well as many various effects, both on the economy and society at large. 

While all individuals may face situations where corruption is a possibility, it is generally accepted that not everyone is inherently or universally susceptible. 

A complex interplay of individual ethics, social environment, and systemic factors influences susceptibility to corruption. 

However, all individuals are considered susceptible to corruption when the right combination of personal circumstances and environmental factors is present. It is a complex human behaviour influenced by a mix of individual, situational, and systemic elements, rather than an inherent, universal trait. 

Venality 

Venality is leading cause of corruption. This word comes from the Latin “venalis,” meaning “for sale.” Venality means being open to bribery or corruption, the quality of being motivated by money or gain. Historically, it also referred to the sale of public offices, a practice common in many countries worldwide. It is the state of being willing to do dishonest things or an act of “prostituting one’s talents or offices for reward”. 

Corruption can be contrasted with individual officials or agents who act corruptly within the system. This has far-reaching consequences, including undermining democracy, stifling economic growth, and eroding public trust in institutions. 

In addition, the root causes of corruption often include excessive government intervention, deregulation, and manipulation of economic policies. 

All these factors encourage systemic corruption, which can lead to conflicting incentives, discretionary and monopolistic powers, lack of transparency, low pay, and a culture of impunity. 

Susceptibility factors 

Susceptibility to corruption stems from a variety of psychological, social, and environmental factors. These include inter alia of: 

Opportunity and Weak System: Environment with weak internal controls, low transparency, and a lack of accountability creates opportunities for corruption. 

When oversight is minimal, individuals may feel they can get away with corrupt behaviour. 

Personal Gain (“Need and Greed”): A primary motivation for corruption is the desire for personal gain, whether financial or non-financial (e.g., giving an advantage to a friend or relative). Both genuine need and excessive greed are potent drivers of corruption. 

Challenging Personal Circumstances: Many individuals who are generally considered ethical can engage in corrupt conduct when faced with difficult personal circumstances. 

Abuse of Power: As the famous quote suggests, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. 

Holding a position of authority or having discretionary power can increase the temptation to misuse that influence for private gain, leading to corrupt conduct. 

Low Self Control: Studies suggest that individuals with lower self-control are more likely to act corruptly, especially when they perceive that the harm caused will only be indirect. 

Organisational Culture: An unethical culture that tolerates minor corruption can eventually escalate into systemic corruption. In such an environment, individuals may view corrupt practices as “normal” or necessary to succeed. 

Lack of Commitment to Society: Factors such as political instability, high levels of bureaucracy, poverty, and a lack of commitment to societal well-being can contribute to a climate in which corruption is more likely to occur. 

In closing, corruption affects us all. It threatens sustainable economic development, ethical values, and justice. 

And because people are seen as susceptible rather than inherently corrupt, preventive measures should focus on the governance system, not just on individuals. 

Hence, it is imperative to address the pervasive, ingrained patterns of corruption that affect the entire governance system. 

Establishing strong anti-corruption frameworks, promoting transparency and accountability through measures like open data and independent oversight bodies, and enforcing strict sanctions, are considered crucial steps in mitigating corruption risks in all sectors of society. 

Effective strategies should also include enacting and enforcing strong anti-corruption laws, protecting and encouraging whistleblowers, reforming the civil service to be merit-based, and using technology to increase efficiency and public access. 

Citizen and society engagement, along with a strong “tone at the top” set by ethical leadership, are the best alternatives, crucial and long-term components to remedy the undesirable situation we may encounter again. 

Hence, the solution must be permanent, definitive, and a lasting fix that addresses the root cause of corruption, rather than a temporary measure that alleviates only its symptoms. 

*Maj. Gen. (RTD) J. B Tjivikua is a Criminal Intelligence Analyst.