Examining the Role of Anti-Corruption Training Courses at South African Universities: Any Lessons for Africa?

Abstract

This paper examines the role of university courses in anti-corruption strategies and is based on the argument that universities should be key stakeholders in strengthening the fight against corruption in Africa. To this aim, the researchers, employing the qualitative empirical paradigm, examined the opinions and knowledge of seasoned university and civil organization researchers on the importance of university-based anti-corruption training. The focus was on the relevance for South African higher education institutions, its students, and the country, including both private and public sectors. The participating researchers explored what would guarantee a successful training initiative by identifying the most important topics, themes, realities, and challenges. In addition, the question of whether a generic anti-corruption training initiative throughout the African continent would be successful was also asked. While there were minor differences of viewpoints and opinions, most participants believed that university-based anti-corruption training could play a central role in the fight against corruption on all levels and they provided motivation for their views. The findings of this unique study contribute to the notion that universities are key stakeholders in fighting corruption, and that a corruption-conscious curriculum is central in the battle against endemic malfeasance.