Tracking social norms and behaviour change in South Africa: measuring attitudes to corruption, 2024/25

Abstract

The study is entitled the ‘Tracking Social Norms and Behaviour Change in South Africa: Measuring Attitudes to Corruption’ and it was conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The aim of the study is to provide reliable, evidence-based insights into the factors driving and enabling corruption, as well as efforts to combat it. The study’s ultimate goal is to support the NACS. The baseline phase (2023-2024) combined a nationally representative public opinion survey, conducted as part of the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS). In the second year of the study (2024-2025), a follow-up public opinion survey was conducted, incorporating expert feedback to refine research tools and deepen our understanding of relevant social norms and social values. The survey findings from the 2024/25 SASAS round are organised into nine distinct sections, each addressing a specific aspect of the study. The report offers an analysis of the key findings from the second-year research survey. Where relevant, the study will provide subgroup analysis; we offer definitions of these subgroups in Section 13.2. To complement the quantitative research component, the second-year study included a qualitative vignette-based research component. This component used a focus group approach to explore the social norms and values around corrupt behaviour amongst young South Africans. Eight focus group discussions were conducted with South African youth. Since the second-year study aimed to build upon the baseline research, this report will, where relevant, reflect on the findings from year one (2023-2024) of the study.