Systemic Corruption In South African Government Departments: Ghost Employees €“ Where They Come From And Where They Are Going

Corruption is a prevalent global issue that manifests in distinct ways across countries, significantly impacting economic growth and governance. In South Africa, the phenomenon of ghost employees, non-existent or fictitious individuals listed on payrolls, has emerged as a critical concern, costing the government millions and exacerbating unemployment. Scholars argue that ghost employees reflect systemic corruption. This study employed qualitative research methodology and a desktop design to explore the phenomenon of systemic corruption, drawing from materials such as government reports, audit findings, and scholarly literature. The findings reveal that ghost employees exist across all three spheres of government, highlighting systemic corruption rather than mere administrative errors, according to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). These fraudulent practices divert taxpayer money into private hands, depriving skilled individuals of employment opportunities, particularly in a country grappling with a staggering unemployment rate of 32.9% as of Q1 2025. Young people aged 15–34 are disproportionately affected, facing an alarming unemployment rate of 46.1%. Instances of ghost workers have been uncovered in departmental audits, such as the R6.5 million in salaries paid by the Mpumalanga Department of Education and the discovery of 230 ghost employees in the Gauteng Department of Health. In conclusion, the study recommends addressing this issue, as it could create significant employment opportunities without imposing additional costs on the government. A multifaceted approach is necessary, combining traditional methods like physical audits and employee verifications with contemporary solutions such as artificial intelligence and technology. Tackling the ghost employee dilemma presents a critical pathway to reducing corruption and increasing job opportunities within South Africa's public service sector.