Inquiry: mirror and test

TRANSPARENCY: VENTILATING GRAFT OPENLY IS REPUTATIONAL ASSET - EXPERT >>> Allegations strike blow to heart of state’s credibility.

- Masoka Dube

A sign announces the town of Idenau in the English-speaking southwest of Cameroon, where tourism is struggling to stay afloat amid a separatist conflict that has been going on for nearly 10 years.

(AFP)

The corruption scandals exposed by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have dented South Africa's international image, but simultaneously highlight its quest to fight graft.

This is according to experts who spoke of how the exposure of allegedly corrupt senior politicians and police management affects the country's reputation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently established the commission after KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused his superiors and other senior government officials of colluding with criminals to protect them from arrest.

So far, several senior and former senior police officials have testified while more witnesses are still expected to appear before the commission.

Reputation management expert Tshepo Matseba said the commission will test South Africa's ability to rebuild investor confidence.