1st LD-Writethru: S. Africa edges up in 2016 corruption perceptions index

South Africa's score in the Corruption Perceptions Index slightly improved, 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.

The index is a leading global indicator of public-sector corruption.

Botswana came first in Africa ranking 35 out of 176 with a score of 60, followed by Cape Verde, Rwanda and Mauritius. South Africa and Senegal shared the seventh place in the continent.

In the East African Community region, Burundi still lags after scoring 20 and ranking 159 globally, while Uganda followed with 25 score, ranking 151 worldwide.

Kenya with 26 score, ranked 146 globally while Tanzania scored 32 and ranked 116. Endit