State Capture—Institutionalized Corruption of the South African Revenue Service

Abstract

This study provides valuable insight for scholars, practitioners, and government officials on how a local office of a respected international consulting firm became associated with allegations of illicit influence and state capture. The article presents how political and business leaders used a government agency, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), to gain power, amass wealth, and find protection from prosecution. It outlines how illegal actions by public officials sworn to uphold justice and the rule of law harmed the Republic of South Africa. It also examines how a consulting firm that values integrity and trustworthiness contributed to questionable decisions by state officials. The impact at SARS included: bypassing government procurement procedures; restructuring and staffing that dismantled tax code enforcement; distributing public funds into private hands; and avoiding public accountability. The study concludes with a synopsis of the multiple investigations and implications for ethical behavior in an era of institutionalized state capture.