The one thing I despise the most is corruption , bribes and back handers and living in Africa you see it daily if you know where to look. The saying is it starts at the top and they are right in this case as the majority of government officials are corrupt and why the economy is wrecked.
Tonight I took the family out to our local Italian restaurant for dinner and overheard a conversation between the owner and the electricity company. Whilst we were sitting at the table I noticed two guys waiting by the doorway holding tools. I normally mind my own business and switch off if I hear others talking but this was impossible to not hear.
The two men with the tools were on site to cut the electricity supply to the entire building which comprises of half a dozen business. I do not know the back story but the restaurant owner managed to keep the lights on by paying a bribe of R3000 which is roughly $180. The two men left and the lights remained on until the next time if things are not resolved.
The Italian delicatessen next door with their cold meats and cheeses owes him a big favor as that food would have been at risk and one would imagine worth much more than the R3000 bribe paid. This is a type of extortion because you wonder why these people came after hours and not during the normal working day. They knew a bribe would be paid and why they came after office hours when their call center is closed for the day.
There is method to their madness and why bribes are part of every day life in South Africa as you can never reason with simple logic. If it suits your needs at the time pay the bribe and move on and make sure you are not in the same position next time. Closing the restaurant down tonight was never an option as chasing away local loyal patrons is never a good idea and understand fully why the bribe was offered.
Where I have a problem with bribes or back handers is with the police as they are meant to be above board yet are the greediest. Two days ago we noticed a road block near our home with 3 patrol cars stopping various vehicles and this only happens a few times per year. Yesterday was a public holiday so it makes sense with the timing as they needed funds for their day off. This normally happens around Christmas time and had not thought at the time this was cash bribes being taken for the holiday the next day.
Unfortunately this is the entire country in a nutshell and how the majority act and think. Many businesses suffer from the same crookedness with staff taking back handers for purchasing your products or services and they must have learned this from someone else. I have stuck to my moral high ground on this and have never stooped or ventured down to their level even if it has been tempting at times. Most people know it is happening and just turn a blind eye, but if it is in your company you have to root it out as it becomes a serious problem. This is why I have certain competitors who I refuse to serve and have told my staff they have been banned. If they were allowed to serve them then there would be underhand deals going on and I just know the caliber of people they are so why risk things.
Living in Africa you need to be aware of everything as everyone around you seems to be looking for a quick buck which typically involves some type of corrupt deal or theft.