Anyone can be accused of ‘corruption’

THE term “corruption” has undergone a form of corruption.

It originally referred to some illegal, dishonest act by people, especially those in power, for financial gain. The word is now loosely used to point to any form of dishonesty, regardless of whether it involves financial gain or bribery.

For instance, an allegation of abuse by a learner against an educator could easily be covered up by the principal.

He can declare that the educator has an impeccable history and that the learner has a record of conjuring stories.

When all is said and done and the educator escapes justice, the loose term that immediately follows is: “You see, the principal is also corrupted.”

This modern, loose acceptance of the term, therefore, creates another serious problem on its own.

What was meant to be perceived as a lie, a cover-up, an act of dishonesty or distortion of truth is swiftly dismissed as corruption.

It is therefore equated to all those illegal shenanigans involving some government ministers, metro councillors, bank clerks, directors of companies and so on, some of whom are guilty of some mode of filling their pockets and getting away with it.

But if all the president’s men can get away with it, why can’t we also be corrupted?

EBRAHIM ESSA

Durban