S. Africa edges up in 2016 corruption index

South Africa's Corruption Perceptions Index was up from 44 in 2015 to 45 out of 100 in 2016.

Transparency International, a global non-governmental organization, released their report on Wednesday. The index draws on 13 surveys covering expert assessments and views of business community.

David Lewis, executive director of South Africa's Corruption Watch, said the good news was the country's score and ranking remained more or less stable.

"The bad news is that, with our score below 50, we are still among those countries deemed to have a serious corruption problem," Lewis said.

"Moreover, had the survey not been conducted before several serious corruption episodes came to the attention of the public. For example, the shocking 'state of capture' report, our position may well have deteriorated significantly," he added.

Despite alleged corruption in the government, police and the national prosecuting Authority, South Africa fared better. Lewis said this is caused by the public opposition to corruption.

Botswana came first in Africa ranking 35 out of 176 with a score of 60. Other countries that did well in sub-Saharan Africa are Mauritius (50), Rwanda (50) and Namibia (53). South Africa and Senegal shared the seventh place in the continent. Endit