Politically Aweh dissects sexual corruption in South Africa
Following on viral debates about power abuses in hip-hop and politics, South Africa's wittiest news show Politically Awe h takes a no-nonsense look at one of South Africa's most uncomfortable and neglected topics: the misuse of power for sexual gain.
Host KG Mokgadi is joined by Céline Tshika to unpack why South Africa's 'alphabet of corruption' now includes X-rated chapters, revealing the tangled web of sextortion, sexual bribery, and exploitation that too often goes unspoken — and worse, unpunished. It's by no means a funny subject, but Mokgadi and Tshika rise to the challenge of explaining how sexual corruption operates in South Africa's power structures, blending sharp humour with sobering realities.
Sexual corruption thrives in workplaces, educational institutions and political offices alike — from a young woman pressured into 'overtime' by her boss to the resurfacing of figures like former Springbok coach Pieter de Villiers, who faced sexual misconduct allegations yet remains in the public eye.
Former Public Protector and law professor Thuli Madonsela shares her expertise and experiences of how current laws and social attitudes often fail victims and protect perpetrators. Stellenbosch University procurement law professor Sope Williams adds additional expert insights.
New data from South Africa's first-ever survey on sexual corruption reveals that a sky-high 84% of nationally representative respondents described the practice as somewhat or very common. Data from the survey also underscore how the phenomenon of 'sex for jobs' and 'sex for marks' is widespread, while the exploitation of those trying to access public services like healthcare and housing is also common.
With her trademark analytical rigour, Tshika balances Mokgadi's penchant for spicy headlines, and their banter underscores a serious point: South Africa's corruption is not just about money changing hands — it's about power dynamics that include gendered abuse. They connect individual stories to systemic failures, such as legal frameworks that conflate bribery with sexual coercion and workplace policies that protect those in power.
The episode calls attention to the silence and inaction surrounding sexual harassment and misconduct in political parties and public institutions, highlighting the challenge of reform while those in power are either implicated or turn a blind eye. It's also a call to rethink how corruption is defined and addressed, encouraging viewers to recognise sexual corruption as a systemic problem demanding legal clarity and social accountability. DM
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